Ashaiman District Court: WOII Dzisenu Ben Remanded Over Murder Charges

• WOII Dzisenu Ben, a 43-year-old soldier, has been remanded into police custody by the Ashaiman District Court.
• He is accused of murdering Abdul Shaban, a 45-year-old man, at Mawugbedzibe near Afienya on August 23, 2025.
• The prosecution's case hinges on evidence gathered by investigators, including a post-mortem examination and ballistic analysis.
• WOII Dzisenu has been charged with murder under Section 46 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
• The case has significant implications for military personnel in Ghana regarding the use of force and accountability.

According to the pathologist's report, Shaban's cause of death was a perforating gunshot wound to the heart, which is consistent with a near-contact, angled gunshot wound.

The Ashaiman District Court has remanded WOII Dzisenu Ben, a 43-year-old soldier, into police custody in connection with the alleged murder of Abdul Shaban, a 45-year-old man. The court's decision was made on August 19, 2026, and sets the stage for further proceedings in this high-profile case. This development comes after an investigation by the Afienya Police Station, which was triggered by a report filed by WOII Dzisenu and another soldier, WOI Yamoah Mark, on August 23, 2025. The two soldiers claimed that they had been attacked while on their landed property at Mawugbedzibe, leading to the fatal shooting of Shaban. However, the prosecution's case hinges on the evidence gathered by investigators, including a post-mortem examination and ballistic analysis. According to the pathologist's report, Shaban's cause of death was a perforating gunshot wound to the heart, which is consistent with a near-contact, angled gunshot wound. The shooter was likely positioned at a higher level than the victim when the shot was fired.

WOII Dzisenu has been charged with murder under Section 46 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). This provision makes it an offense to cause the death of another person with intent to kill or with reckless disregard for human life. The prosecution's case must establish that WOII Dzisenu intentionally fired his M16 rifle at Shaban, resulting in his death. If convicted, WOII Dzisenu could face severe penalties under Ghanaian law, including life imprisonment. The court has ordered that he remain in police custody until the next hearing on August 27, 2026. This remand order underscores the gravity of the allegations against the soldier and highlights the importance of a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Shaban's death.

The case has significant implications for military personnel in Ghana, particularly with regards to the use of force. The incident raises questions about the accountability of soldiers when they are involved in civilian casualties. Lawyers and experts will be watching this case closely to see how it develops and what lessons can be drawn from it. The prosecution's case must balance the need to hold WOII Dzisenu accountable for his actions with the requirement to ensure that military personnel are not unfairly targeted or prosecuted. This delicate balance is crucial in maintaining public trust in the Ghanaian military and upholding the rule of law.

Lawyers should watch for the potential implications of this case on the use of force by military personnel, particularly in cases where civilians are involved.

Source: Original reporting via Graphic Online