The recent Accra High Court decision to impose a GHS2400 fine on New Patriotic Party (NPP) members who stormed UTV, an Accra-based TV station, has led to intense scrutiny of the courts, Ghana Police Service, and the Office of the Attorney General.

Some members of the public have criticized this fine, alleging that it is too low and suggesting that it's influenced by the offenders' affiliation with the ruling NPP.

However, prominent lawyer Martin Kpebu has offered an explanation for the court's decision to levy a GHS2400 fine on the intruders.

In an interview with the media, Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu discussed the factors that may have contributed to this specific fine.

He emphasized that the UTV trespassers' admission of guilt and their avoidance of prolonging court proceedings and wasting resources were significant factors that contributed to the judge's decision to impose a fine of 20 penalty points, equivalent to GHS 2400.

“When an accused person comes to court and admits his guilt straight away on day one, when the charges are read, the punishment is usually far lower than if he says I’m not guilty and the court spends years in determining the case... If the accused says he is not guilty and the case is dragged through a full trial to the end, then the sentence is usually much, much higher.

“The next thing you need to look at is that when you take this particular case, these are first-timers, and that is another factor the court considers in coming up with sentences. As far as I am aware, these are first-timers, and first-timers are not dealt with in a deterrent fashion like a repeat offender,” he said.

The lawyer further explained that the accused individuals faced charges related to a misdemeanor, including conspiracy to commit a crime and rioting, typically resulting in fines and a maximum prison sentence of 3 years.

He pointed out that the conviction of the NPP members who stormed the TV station is a noteworthy development. This conviction will have long-lasting consequences, potentially affecting their future opportunities and casting a shadow over them wherever they go.

“…the positive is that these young men are now convicts; they have been convicted of a criminal offence. So, today, if they are filing a visa form to go to the US or the UK, there is a portion that they would ask, 'Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense?"

"They (the UTV invaders) have to tick yes and sometimes there would be penalties for it. They are even likely to be denied visas and other important services,” he said.