WOII Dzisenu Ben Remanded in Ashaiman Murder Case as Courts Rule on Chess Association and Police Conduct

In a series of significant legal developments across Ghana, the Ashaiman District Court has remanded WOII Dzisenu Ben, a 43-year-old soldier, in police custody following allegations of the murder of 45-year-old Abdul Shaban. The incident occurred on August 23, 2025, in Mawugbedzibe near Afienya, where Dzisenu claimed he was forced to discharge his M16 rifle after being attacked by an unknown assailant while on his property. While the soldier maintained he was acting in self-defense to protect his weapon, subsequent investigations and a pathologist’s report indicated a perforating gunshot wound to the heart, suggesting the shooter was positioned at a higher elevation than the victim. The case has been adjourned until August 27, 2026, pending formal legal advice from the Attorney-General's Office.

Simultaneously, the Human Rights Division of the High Court in Accra has delivered a landmark ruling in favor of Ghanaian chess player Miracle Morris Stephen. The court awarded Stephen GH"25,000—comprising GH"20,000 in compensation and GH"5,000 in costs—after finding that the Ghana Chess Association (GCA) violated his rights. Stephen had been suspended on February 7, 2026, after withdrawing from the National Chess Championships on health grounds. The court determined the GCA failed to provide him with a fair hearing before taking disciplinary action and has ordered a public revocation of the suspension, clearing the way for his return to competitive play.

In another matter involving state authority, Apostle Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei is demanding a formal public apology and financial compensation from the Ghana Police Service. The Apostle alleges he was subjected to assault and humiliation at the Police Headquarters following his arrest over derogatory comments regarding Prophet Mohammed. These developments coincide with a somber international report from southern France, where authorities have detained two men in connection with the discovery of the burned body of 29-year-old influencer Sonia Bellina. Her remains were found in a vineyard on August 12, prompting an investigation that has sparked significant online backlash and calls for privacy from her family.

These cases collectively highlight a period of intense judicial activity and a growing focus on human rights and institutional accountability within Ghana under the current administration. As the Attorney-General's Office prepares its advice for the Ashaiman murder trial and the Ghana Chess Association moves to comply with the High Court's directives, the outcomes are expected to set important precedents for both military conduct and the administration of sports bodies. The public continues to monitor these proceedings closely, seeking assurance that justice is served across both criminal and civil spheres.