The Swedru Circuit Court has convicted and sentenced three men involved in a violent cutlass fight at the New Station Area of Akyem Oda, an incident that recently went viral on social media.

The convicts — George Okyere (43), Evans Adayele (20), and Joseph Nyabaah (26) — were arraigned on two counts of fighting with a weapon and causing harm, contrary to Sections 203 and 69 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

All three accused persons pleaded guilty to the charges.

The court sentenced Evans Adayele and Joseph Nyabaah to 12 months’ imprisonment with hard labour.

George Okyere was fined 500 penalty units, equivalent to GH₵6,000, and ordered to sign a three-year bond of good behaviour. Court records indicated that none of the men had prior criminal records, which was considered during sentencing.

During the proceedings, George Okyere testified that the confrontation began when he went to purchase a pair of Wellington boots and was approached by the other two men arriving in a vehicle.

He claimed the situation escalated after he identified himself, and admitted to participating in the public fight using a cutlass.

The court noted that the incident involved dangerous weapons in a public space, raising serious concerns about public safety.

The case had previously sparked public debate online regarding street violence and the use of weapons in community disputes.