A circuit court has sentenced five men to various prison terms following their involvement in a violent attack at a construction site located in Prampram. According to a 3News report the individuals were charged with conspiracy to commit crime and causing unlawful harm during an incident that occurred last week. The prosecution stated that the group approached the site and demanded the immediate cessation of work before physically assaulting the staff present.
The Ghana Police Service indicated in a statement that the victims sustained critical injuries and required emergency medical attention after the group used offensive weapons during the struggle. Police officers from the Tema Regional Command apprehended the suspects shortly after the confrontation as part of an ongoing crackdown on land related violence. The 3News report identifies the convicted individuals as notorious land guards who have previously operated within the Ningo Prampram enclave.
During the court proceedings the presiding judge emphasized that the activities of land guards pose a significant threat to public peace and private property rights. The court found that the evidence presented by the prosecution established the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. While the original 3News report details the convictions other outlets such as Citi Newsroom have previously documented an increase in police patrols in Prampram to deter similar criminal activities.
The sentencing comes amid a wider effort by the Ghana Police Service and the Ministry of the Interior to enforce the Land Act. This legislation criminalizes the use of land guards and prescribes heavy penalties for those who hire or act as illegal security for land disputes. Officials from the Prampram Traditional Council have also expressed support for the judicial outcome stating that such enforcement is necessary to protect developers and residents from intimidation.