High Court grants GHC100,000 bail to retired teacher accused of illegally acting as Bawku Chief

The High Court in Accra has granted bail to Alhaji Seidu Abagre, the 79-year-old retired teacher standing trial for allegedly acting as a chief in Bawku without the requisite qualification.

Alhaji Abagre was admitted to bail on Monday in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties, following a successful application by his lawyers.

The court, presided over by Justice Agbenorsi, set specific conditions for the bail. The accused is to report to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) twice a week, every Monday and Thursday. He has also been ordered not to leave the jurisdiction and must refrain from presenting himself, or allowing himself to be presented, as a traditional leader.

The prosecution has further been directed to ensure the accused person receives necessary medical attention.

Alhaji Abagre faces charges including acting as a chief without qualification contrary to the Chieftaincy Act, provocation of riot, offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace, and fighting with weapons. His previous bail applications had been denied.

The case has been adjourned to March 23, 2026, for continuation.

This development follows the recent implementation of recommendations from a mediation report by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, which included the removal of Alhaji Abagre from Bawku to ease tensions in the conflict-prone area.