By Murtala Issah
Beleaguered former deputy regional communications executive of the National Democratic Congress in the Northern Region, Iddrisu Hardi Pagazaa and a second accused person, Osman, have been fined three thousand six hundred Ghana cedis (3,600) each after the two pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to commit crime, assault and unlawful entry.
The two are to pay the amount to the state or in default, serve eighteen months in prison. The Tamale District Court presided over by his Worship Amadu Issifu has convicted the two on their own plea. The Prosecution however dropped a fourth charge of Threat of Death against the second accused person, Mumuni Osman.
The defense counsel, Halid Abdul Rauf, pleaded with the court to give the accused persons non-custodial sentences because they showed remorse. The Judge obliged to the defense lawyer’s plea but cautioned the defendants against engaging in such acts in the future.
His worship, Amadu Issifu, also urged media practicing to abide by their ethics and exhibit professionalism and responsibility in their duties. Citing the Rwanda genocide, the judge noted that, unprofessional behaviour by media practitioners could endanger the peace of the country.
It will be recalled that, the two accused persons on May 3, 2023, while the world marked World Press Freedom Day, stormed the studios of Dagbon FM and assaulted a radio Presenter, Sadiq Gariba, who was presenting a programme at the time. The incident drew condemnation from the public, with many calling for the arrest and prosecution of the two.
On Monday, Mr. Pagazaa and Osman Mumuni turned themselves in at the Tamale District Police Command where they have been in custody until Wednesday’s appearance in court.
Meanwhile, the Northern Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association, (GJA) have expressed “satisfaction with the conviction and sentencing of the two accused persons even though we would have preferred a much stiffer punishment.”
A statement signed by the Regional GJA chairman, Yakubu Abdul Majeed, expressed the hope that, the arrest and successful prosecution of the two, will deter others who may want to assault media practitioners in the future.