The Accra High Court has granted bail to 79-year-old Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a retired teacher and central figure in the long-running Bawku chieftaincy dispute. The court admitted him to bail in the sum of GH₵100,000 with two sureties after hearing a bail application from his lawyers. The decision allows him to remain free while his case continues in court.
Abagre is standing trial for allegedly acting as a chief without lawful qualification, a charge linked to the ongoing ethnic and chieftaincy tension in the Bawku area of the Upper East Region. This dispute has involved rival claims to traditional leadership roles between communities in the area.
As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered that Abagre report regularly to the police and make himself available for all future court dates. He was also instructed not to travel outside the Greater Accra Region without prior permission from the court. Another important condition is that he must refrain from presenting or holding himself out as a traditional leader or chief while the case is pending.
The Attorney-General’s office reportedly waived its right to oppose the bail application, which helped secure the court’s approval. The bail decision followed legal arguments from both the prosecution and defence about Abagre’s age, health and residential ties, indicating he was unlikely to abscond.
The prosecution has been ordered to ensure Abagre receives appropriate medical care and adequate security, considering his age and circumstances. His trial is expected to continue with proceedings adjourned to a later date as court disclosures and witness statements are prepared.
