The Osino District Court in the Fanteakwa South District, Eastern Region, has released 15 members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on bail in connection with a fire incident at the Electoral Commission (EC) office in Asuboi, Ayensuano Constituency.

The event occurred on December 10, 2024, when the group, known as the Ayensuano Concerned Youth, protested the declaration of Ida Adwoa Asiedu as the newly elected MP for the area. During the demonstration, the EC office was set on fire.

The accused individuals, arrested and charged with arson, were each granted bail of GH₵20,000 with one surety. They are expected to return to court on January 14, 2025. Despite objections from the prosecution, who raised concerns about ongoing investigations and potential interference, the court, led by His Worship Salifu Bugri Ayagiba, decided to grant the bail.

The prosecution, represented by Detective Chief Inspector Kamal Salifu Gumah, argued that the suspects might hinder the investigation.

“The police alleged that some of the NDC members had gone to demolish the EC office at Ayensuano, so we had to come to court to help them and by God’s grace, we have been able to secure bail for them. We will come back to the case on January 14 2025.”

“In as much as they have been granted bail, The court has asked them to report to the Kibi police commander to ensure that they are still available. Everyone was granted 20,000gh bail. All the fifteen people were granted bail today.”

“These are all accusations so the evidence is the only thing that shows they did what they are been accused of, until then it is just a mere accusation. If the police can gather evidence, fine if not, the case will be rubbished,” he added.

However, the defence countered, assuring the court of their clients' cooperation with the process, as they are well-known community members.

In the end, the court agreed with the defence and granted the accused bail.