The Awutu Beraku District Court has struck out the case against three individuals, including a constituency communications officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who were arrested in September 2024 for allegedly defacing election campaign posters.
The court discharged Cassius Otto Larbie, the Awutu Senya West Constituency Communications Officer for the NDC, along with Robert Tetteh and Bright Ayittey. The case, formally titled “The Republic versus Cassius and Two Others,” was struck out and withdrawn following a period of inactivity.
The three were initially arrested on September 12, 2024, following a complaint by the former District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Moses Arhinful. The complaint alleged that the suspects had defaced posters of the then-New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Awutu Senya West, Eugene Arhin. The posters in question were reportedly pasted on equipment belonging to the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP).
Presided over by Her Ladyship Naomi Konto, the court initially remanded the trio into five days of police custody. They reappeared on September 16, 2024, and were granted self-recognisance bail of GH¢2,000 each, with one surety.
The case saw several adjournments, with the accused making six court appearances in 2024 alone. However, the proceedings later became dormant, prompting the accused persons to formally inquire about the status of their case.
In response to their inquiry, the court indicated that the case had been struck out and withdrawn, leading to the discharge of all three accused persons.
Speaking to Citi News following the court’s decision, Mr. Larbie expressed relief and characterized the legal ordeal as politically motivated.
“After almost two years, the court now says the case is no longer being pursued,” Mr. Larbie said. “This is more than just being exonerated. It means I had done nothing wrong, and the whole trial was pure political persecution.”
He added that the outcome serves as motivation, particularly in light of the NDC’s electoral victory in the constituency. “I’m, however, glad that the NDC won, and more particularly the Awutu Senya West seat. It is an inspiration for me to work even harder for the party,” he noted.
