A 30-year-old mechanic has been fined by the Nsuta Circuit Court in the Ashanti Region after pleading guilty to assaulting a nurse during the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) polling station executive elections in Asante Mampong.
The accused, Musah Jalilu, widely known as “Pepe,” admitted to slapping the nurse during the voting process, leading to his conviction by presiding judge His Lordship Simon Nkatiah Gagah.
The court imposed a fine of GH¢2,400, with a six-month custodial sentence to be served if he fails to pay. In addition, Jalilu was directed to compensate the victim, Theresah Osei Yeboah, with GH¢800 to cover medical expenses. Failure to pay the compensation will result in an additional two-month prison term.
According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Kofi Amankwaah, the incident occurred on May 14 at approximately 8:30 a.m. during polling station executive elections held at a voting centre on the premises of the Ghana Water Company in Asante Mampong.
Theresah Osei Yeboah, a 26-year-old nurse residing in the Zongo area of Asante Mampong, had joined other party members to cast her vote when she observed Jalilu and another individual moving a ballot box together with the voters’ register.
The prosecution told the court that after the nurse questioned their actions, Jalilu became agitated and struck her on the left side of her face.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Asante Mampong Police, and the victim was issued with a medical report form to receive treatment and document her injuries.
Police investigations led to Jalilu’s arrest four days later. During interrogation, and in the presence of an independent witness, he admitted in a cautioned statement that he had assaulted the complainant.
The ruling serves as a reminder of the need for discipline and peaceful conduct during political activities, particularly internal party elections where tensions can sometimes escalate.
