A 30-year-old mechanic, Musah Jalilu, popularly known as “Pepe,” has been fined GH¢2,400 by the Nsuta Circuit Court in the Ashanti Region for assaulting a nurse during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) polling station executive elections at Asante Mampong.
The court, presided over by His Lordship Simon Nkatiah Gagah, convicted Jalilu after he admitted to slapping the complainant, Theresah Osei Yeboah, a 26-year-old nurse, during the voting exercise.
The incident occurred on 14 May at about 8:30 a.m. at a polling station located on the premises of the Ghana Water Company during the internal party elections.
According to Chief Inspector Kofi Amankwaah, who led the prosecution, the complainant reportedly questioned Jalilu and another individual who were allegedly seen carrying away a ballot box together with the voters’ register. An argument ensued, during which Jalilu slapped her on the left cheek without provocation.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Asante Mampong Police, and the victim was issued with a medical report form for examination and treatment.
Jalilu was arrested on 18 May, and in his cautioned statement, made in the presence of an independent witness, he admitted to the offence.
The court ordered him to pay a GH¢2,400 fine or serve six months in prison in default. Additionally, he was directed to pay GH¢800 as compensation for the complainant’s medical expenses, with a further two-month custodial sentence if he fails to meet the payment.
Credit: Asaase 99.5
