Gregory Afoko, who has been on remand for nearly nine years, has filed a fresh bail application as he continues to stand trial for his alleged role in the murder of the former Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Adams Mahama.

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His legal team submitted the application on Monday, February 17, 2025, before Justice Marie-Louise Simmons, with the hearing scheduled for February 21. This marks the third time Afoko has sought bail since his arrest in 2015.

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Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to March 5, 2025, due to issues with the jury panel, which was found to be improperly constituted.

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Afoko is accused of conspiring with Asabke Alangdi to orchestrate Mahama’s murder. While Alangdi has already been convicted of conspiracy, he continues to maintain his innocence regarding the charge of murder. Both men are to be tried together by a seven-member jury composed of four women and three men.

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In April 2024, a jury presided over by Justice Merley Afua Wood, a Court of Appeal judge sitting as an additional High Court judge, delivered a split verdict on Afoko’s case—unanimously convicting Alangdi of conspiracy to commit murder while acquitting Afoko by a 4-3 vote on both conspiracy and murder charges.

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Following the verdict, the court sentenced Alangdi to death as required by law. However, he has since filed an appeal challenging the ruling.

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The prosecution’s case is that tensions escalated within the NPP in 2015 when Mahama and a group of supporters violently disrupted a meeting in Bolgatanga involving the then NPP National Chairman, Paul Afoko (Gregory’s brother), and General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong. The two had allegedly been targeted for their stance against Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s presidential ambitions and for failing to inform Mahama of the meeting.

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“The situation was later brought under control by the police. The accused, who was then upset, confronted Mahama but was chased out by some thugs,” the prosecution stated.

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The prosecution further alleged that in response to these tensions, Afoko and Alangdi mobilized a youth group to counter perceived opponents of Akufo-Addo.

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“It also noted that Gregory and Asabke formed another youth group in their bid to protect persons perceived to be against Nana Akufo-Addo,” the prosecution explained.

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According to the prosecution, the two suspects held multiple meetings with their group before ambushing Mahama at his residence on the night of May 20, 2015.

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“The deceased returned home around 11:10 p.m. in his pick-up vehicle with registration number NR 761 – 14, and immediately he parked the vehicle in front of his house, the suspects went close and signaled him to roll down the glass,” the prosecution claimed.

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“The deceased identified the suspects to be party members and rolled down the glass to talk to them.

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“Suddenly, the suspects poured the substance, suspected to be acid, on his head, face and other parts of his body and fled on a motorbike.”

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Following the attack, Mahama screamed for help, attracting the attention of his wife, Hajia Zenabu Adams, who rushed to assist him.

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“The deceased started screaming for help and his wife, Hajia Zenabu Adams, went to his aid and managed to bring him out of the vehicle,” the prosecution added.

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In the process, Mahama’s wife sustained burns on her chest and breast. When she asked her husband what had happened, he reportedly named Gregory and Asabke as his attackers.

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Mahama succumbed to his injuries while being airlifted to Accra for treatment. Gregory Afoko was subsequently arrested, and he later led the police to the residence of Asabke’s father. However, Asabke had already fled with his wife, leaving behind their infant child.

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A post-mortem examination revealed that Mahama died from extensive acid burns and lung complications.

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As Afoko seeks bail once again, the court’s decision on February 21 will determine whether he remains in custody or secures temporary freedom as his trial continues.

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