35-year-old businessman denied bail in Ahmed Suale’s murder case

The Accra High Court has denied bail to Daniel Koranteng Owusu. He is a 35-year-old businessman accused of murdering journalist Ahmed Hussein Suale.

Justice Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie delivered the decision. She ruled that the bail application was premature. However, she left open the possibility for future consideration.

Owusu faces provisional charges of murder and abetment at the Madina District Court. He first appeared in court in March this year.

His lawyer, Nathaniel Egbor, argued that the prosecution's facts do not support the charges. He stated that Owusu would not interfere with investigations if granted bail. Egbor emphasized his client’s right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Egbor also challenged claims that Owusu evaded justice. He noted that Owusu left Ghana in September 2019 and returned in August this year without hiding his presence.

The prosecution opposed the bail application. Assistant State Attorney Maame Afua Osei Gyamerah cited reasonable suspicion of Owusu’s involvement in the murder. She referenced call records placing his phone near the victim’s neighborhood before the killing.

The prosecution insisted on keeping Owusu in custody to ensure he stands trial. They noted that investigations are still ongoing.

Court documents allege that Owusu orchestrated the murder by aiding two suspects who remain at large. He allegedly sent photographs of Suale to a public figure who called for retribution on television.

Owusu is also accused of leading the assailants to Suale’s residence on the night of the attack. He faces serious charges under Ghana’s Criminal and Other Offences Act, including murder and abetment, which he has pleaded not guilty to.

The case remains under investigation as authorities continue searching for remaining suspects.