A transport operator, Hamisu Ibrahim, 55, has been granted GH¢50,000 bail by the Asokwa Circuit Court in Kumasi, Ghana, for allegedly hiring individuals to threaten the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Sumaila Boakye Mohammed. The accusation stems from a dispute within the union, which has led to ongoing civil litigation.
Background of the Union Dispute
The charges against Ibrahim are linked to a long-standing disagreement between the complainant, Sumaila Boakye Mohammed, and other members of the GPRTU, including the accused. This internal conflict has escalated to the point of requiring court intervention, with a civil case currently pending before the High Court in Kumasi.
The complainant reportedly approached the Ashanti Regional Criminal Investigations Department to report instances of harassment and intimidation. These alleged actions are believed to be connected to the unresolved union matters and the ongoing legal proceedings.
Allegations and Court Proceedings
According to the prosecution, led by ASP Stephen Ofori, the alleged incident occurred on March 27, 2026. While attending a court hearing related to the union dispute, the complainant allegedly observed Ibrahim in the company of four unidentified men on the court premises.
Further details emerged on April 1, 2026, when one of the alleged hired men, identified as Mubarak Suleman, reportedly approached the complainant. Suleman claimed that Ibrahim had contracted him and three others to intimidate the chairman into withdrawing the pending civil case. The prosecution stated that the planned intimidation did not materialize that day as the complainant was present at the court.
Following these allegations, police arrested Hamisu Ibrahim. During police questioning, Ibrahim provided a caution statement in the presence of an independent witness. He admitted to engaging Suleman and the other three individuals.
Conflicting Statements and Bail Conditions
However, Ibrahim denied hiring the men for the purpose of threatening the regional chairman. He reportedly informed investigators that the individuals were engaged to serve as sureties for another GPRTU member, not to intimidate Mr. Mohammed. This assertion presents a conflicting narrative to the prosecution’s case.
Presiding judge Her Honour Vida Achia Yeboah considered the arguments and granted Ibrahim bail amounting to GH¢50,000. The bail is secured with two sureties, who, along with the accused, are required to deposit their identification cards with the court. Additionally, Ibrahim must report to the police twice every month as part of the bail conditions, pending the resolution of the case.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Implications
The court has adjourned the matter to June 23, 2026, for further proceedings. Police investigations are continuing to gather more evidence and clarify the circumstances surrounding the allegations. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the internal governance and leadership stability within the Ashanti Regional GPRTU.
This legal battle highlights the intense rivalries and disputes that can arise within transport unions, often spilling over into public and legal arenas. The ongoing investigation and court proceedings will be closely watched by union members and stakeholders, as they seek to understand the full extent of the alleged plot and its impact on the union’s operations and leadership.
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