A Baatsona District Court Judge, Her Ladyship Maybel Ahele, has denied bail to five suspects standing trial in connection with the alleged murder of Austin Tengbeh, citing the gravity of the offence and the circumstances surrounding the case.
The five suspects: Francis Amuzu, William Adison, Vincent Adzikah, Enoch Mensah, and Ajilim Bwateng, had through their lawyers formally petitioned the court for bail during ongoing proceedings in the tragic death of the 26-year-old Liberian national who was allegedly lynched in the Lashibi-Sakumono community.
During the hearing, defence counsel argued that under Ghana’s legal framework, the accused persons are entitled to bail, stressing their willingness to cooperate fully with the judicial process. The lawyers further assured the court that their clients would adhere to any conditions imposed and would make themselves available for all future proceedings.
The defence also contended that the suspects posed no flight risk, emphasizing that they were persons of fixed abode with strong community ties. Counsel maintained that granting bail would allow the accused adequate opportunity to prepare their defence while respecting their constitutional rights.
Under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, particularly Article 14(4), persons arrested or detained are entitled to be released either unconditionally or upon reasonable conditions, including bail, unless there are compelling reasons to justify continued detention. Additionally, recent judicial interpretations have reinforced the position that all offences are bailable, subject to the discretion of the court and the presence of compelling circumstances.
However, in a firm ruling, Her Ladyship Maybel Ahele dismissed the bail application, stating that the seriousness of the alleged offence and the circumstances surrounding the case warranted continued detention of the accused persons at this stage of proceedings.
The court further indicated that concerns relating to the integrity of ongoing investigations and the potential for interference with witnesses or evidence influenced the decision to deny bail. The judge noted that granting bail at this stage may undermine the judicial process and compromise the pursuit of justice.
Following the ruling, the court ordered that all five suspects remain in custody pending further proceedings. The case was subsequently adjourned to April 27, 2026, when the court is expected to continue hearing evidence and arguments.
The case has attracted significant public attention following the circumstances surrounding the death of Austin Tengbeh, whose alleged lynching in the Lashibi-Sakumono area sparked concerns about mob justice and the safety of foreign nationals living in Ghana.
The Liberian national, Austin Tengbeh, was allegedly lynched in the Lashibi-Sakumono area under circumstances that sparked public outrage and raised concerns about mob justice.
According to preliminary information presented before the court, the incident reportedly occurred after the deceased was accused of alleged wrongdoing within the community. Tensions escalated, leading to a confrontation that allegedly resulted in the mob assault of the young Liberian national.
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