Three convicted over viral Akyem Oda cutlass fight; two jailed, one fined

The Swedru Circuit Court has convicted and sentenced three men involved in a violent cutlass fight at the New Station Area of Akyem Oda, an incident that went viral on social media.

The convicts, identified as 43-year-old George Okyere, 20-year-old Evans Adayele, and 26-year-old Joseph Nyabaah, were arraigned on two counts: fighting with a weapon and causing harm, contrary to Sections 203 and 69 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

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All three pleaded guilty to the charges. The court sentenced Evans Adayele and Joseph Nyabaah to 12 months’ imprisonment with hard labour. George Okyere, however, was fined 500 penalty units, equivalent to GH₵6,000, and ordered to sign a three-year bond of good behaviour.

Court records indicate that none of the accused persons had prior criminal records, a factor considered in sentencing.

During proceedings, George Okyere told the court he had gone to purchase a pair of Wellington boots when he was confronted by the other accused persons, who arrived in a vehicle. He claimed the encounter escalated after he identified himself, which led to the confrontation.

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He admitted to taking part in the fight, including the use of a cutlass in public.

The court noted that the incident involved the use of dangerous weapons in a public space, raising concerns about public safety.

The case, which circulated widely on social media, sparked public debate over rising street violence and the use of weapons in community disputes.