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In a dramatic development, the High Court has finally granted bail to Gregory Afoko, a key figure accused of orchestrating the chilling 2015 acid attack that claimed the life of Adams Mahama, the former Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The ruling marks a significant milestone in a case that has gripped Ghana for nearly ten years, filled with legal twists, political undertones, and emotional weight.
Afoko’s bail was set at GH¢500,000, requiring two sureties—one of whom must provide justification for their involvement. This decision comes after years of unsuccessful attempts to secure his release, offering a glimmer of relief for the accused in a saga that has kept the nation on edge.
The Crime That Shocked a Nation
The roots of this tragic story stretch back to May 2015, a time of simmering tensions within the NPP. Court records paint a vivid picture: On May 14, Gregory’s brother, Paul Afoko—then the party’s National Chairman—traveled to Bolgatanga alongside General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong for a regional meeting. What should have been a routine gathering turned chaotic when thugs, allegedly mobilized by Adams Mahama, violently disrupted the event. The prosecution claims this attack stemmed from Mahama’s frustration with Paul Afoko and Agyepong, who were accused of sidelining him and opposing Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s leadership ambitions.
The fallout was swift and brutal. Just six days later, on May 20, 2015, Gregory Afoko and his alleged accomplice, Asabke Alangdi, reportedly took matters into their own hands. According to the prosecution, the duo ambushed Mahama outside his home, dousing him with a liquid believed to be acid as he sat in his pickup truck. The attack left Mahama with devastating burns across his body. His wife, Hajia Zenabu Adams, heroically rushed to his side but suffered burns herself in the process. In his final moments, Mahama reportedly pointed the finger at Gregory Afoko and Asabke Alangdi as his assailants.
Despite efforts to save him, Mahama’s injuries proved fatal. He passed away while being airlifted to Accra for advanced treatment. A post-mortem report later confirmed the grim cause of death: shock triggered by extensive acid burns.
A Trail of Evidence and a Fugitive’s Escape
Following the attack, Gregory Afoko was apprehended and reportedly led authorities to the home of Asabke’s father. But Asabke had already vanished, fleeing with his wife and abandoning their infant child. While Asabke was later convicted for his role in the murder, Afoko’s fate remained in limbo as the legal proceedings dragged on.
The case has unfolded like a slow-burning drama, weaving together threads of political rivalry, family ties, and a quest for justice. For years, Afoko’s legal team fought tirelessly for bail, only to hit repeated roadblocks—until now.
What This Bail Means
The High Court’s decision to grant Gregory Afoko bail isn’t just a legal win; it’s a pivotal moment in a case that has tested Ghana’s judicial system and captivated public attention. Nearly a decade after Adams Mahama’s horrific death, this ruling shifts the narrative, raising fresh questions about what lies ahead. Will Afoko’s release pave the way for new revelations, or will it deepen the divide in an already polarized story?
For now, Afoko steps out of detention under strict conditions, with the weight of GH¢500,000 bail and the scrutiny of sureties hanging over him. Meanwhile, the memory of Mahama—and the scars left on his family—continues to echo through this enduring legal battle.
As this saga unfolds, one thing is clear: the road to resolution is far from over. Stay tuned as this high-stakes case continues to evolve, blending politics, justice, and human tragedy into a story that’s impossible to ignore.
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