The Sowutuom Branch Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and self-proclaimed leader of a revolutionary group named Kanawu (“Speak and Die”), Mohammed Ibrahim, has been sentenced to a total of 10 years imprisonment.
Her Honour Evelyn E. Asamoah of Circuit Court 10 in Accra handed out the sentence after Ibrahim’s conviction on charges of publishing false news, threatening harm, and offensive conduct conducive to a breach of the peace.
On September 3, 2024, a video surfaced on social media platforms Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, where Ibrahim, donning a red military beret, accused the Ghana Police Service of recruiting fake officers under the orders of Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and Interior Minister Hon. Henry Quartey.
He alleged that these recruits were being trained to harm citizens during the December 7 general elections.
The NDC organiser escalated his rhetoric by threatening to unleash violence and disclosed knowledge of Hon. Quartey’s residence, stating, “At the outbreak of war in Ghana, we will shoot him.”
The video prompted swift action from the Ghana Police Service, which declared Ibrahim wanted on September 10.
His arrest followed shortly after, during which police recovered the red beret featured in the video.
He was arraigned before the Circuit Court on September 13 and charged with: Publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public (Section 208 of Act 29); Threat of harm (Section 74 of Act 29); and Offensive conduct conducive to breach of the peace (Section 207 of Act 29).
He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Prosecutors presented three witnesses and tendered 10 exhibits as evidence, including the viral video.
After determining a prima facie case against him on November 5, Ibrahim testified in his defence and called three witnesses.
Delivering her judgment on November 29, Her Honour Evelyn E. Asamoah found him guilty on all charges.
The court sentenced Ibrahim to three (3) years imprisonment for publication of false news; four (4) years imprisonment for threat of harm and three (3) years imprisonment for offensive conduct.
