Accra High Court to Conclude Pre-trial Conference in Kasoa Killing of Lance Corporal Michael Danso

An Accra High Court has adjourned the pre-trial conference in the case involving BenLord Ababio and his co-accused, who stand charged with the April 30, 2024, killing of Lance Corporal Michael Danso at Kasoa. The next hearing is set for May 21, 2025, when the court will conclude its case-management and pre-trial conferences. Defence teams have already outlined their positions before a seven-member jury, and the prosecution plans to call seven witnesses and tender documentary exhibits to establish charges of conspiracy and murder. 

Date of Adjournment: The court sat on May 12, 2025, but did not proceed beyond preliminary submissions and has now scheduled its next sitting for May 21, 2025. 

• Purpose of Next Hearing: On May 21, the court will finalize both the Case Management Conference and the Pre-trial Conference, setting timelines for witness testimonies and evidence disclosure.

Prosecution’s Outline

1. Number of Witnesses: Principal State Attorney Dufie Prempeh stated the prosecution will call seven witnesses to testify. 

2. Charges to Prove: The prosecution must establish that the two accused conspired to kill and actually caused the death of Lance Corporal Michael Danso. 

3. Evidence to Be Tendered: Documentary exhibits and any physical evidence will be submitted to support the narrative of conspiracy and murder. 

• Counsel for BenLord Ababio: Oliver Barker-Vormawor characterized the case as tragic and urged jurors to determine whether the killing was premeditated or the result of an unplanned scuffle, emphasizing that justice should prevail over revenge.

• Counsel for Co-accused: Frank Kumakoh expressed sympathy for the victim’s family but reminded jurors they must scrutinize all statements and actions leading up to the shooting to decide if the events could have been accidental. 

• Victim’s Identity: Lance Corporal Michael Danso was assigned to the Army Base Workshop at Burma Camp in Accra. 

• Accused Residences: BenLord Ababio, alias Nana Barima, lives at Liberia Camp, while co-accused Nana Kofi Amo Gyekye resides in Walantu, Kasoa. 

1. Land Dispute Emerges: Patrick Winibood Nedgo, the first prosecution witness, purchased land from 21st Century Company in 2013 and sold a parcel to Lance Corporal Omar Abdul Rahman in January 2024

2. Police Intervention: On March 11, 2024, Mr Nedgo reported encroachment by “land guards,” prompting the police to order a cessation of work pending verification by the Lands Commission. 

3. Defiance and Mobilization: Despite the directive, the accused were observed working on the disputed land on April 29, 2024, leading to a return by the police to stop them. Mr Nedgo then informed Corporal Rahman of the defiance. 

4. Inspection and Confrontation: On April 30 at around 4 p.m., Corporal Rahman, Corporal Matthew Ametus, and the deceased headed to inspect the site. They found the accused and their supporters actively fortifying the site, and Gyekye called in additional “land guards.” 

5. Fatal Shooting: After a tense exchange at the police station, the deceased attempted to drive away. In response, BenLord Ababio shot at the vehicle’s tyre from approximately 20–30 metres. One pellet penetrated the window and struck the deceased at the back of the head. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. 

• Winding Down Conference: On May 21, the court will conclude its pre-trial formalities, set witness scheduling, and rule on any outstanding motions. 

• Trial Timeline: Following the conference, the case will move into full trial mode, where evidence will be examined, witnesses cross-examined, and final arguments heard before the jury.