The Ho High Court has handed down life sentences to three individuals following their conviction on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and abetment of crime.
A panel of seven jurors, tasked with deliberating the case, unanimously reached a guilty verdict on all three counts against the defendants.
The trio was implicated in the shooting deaths of four individuals at the Omanhene Palace in Pai Kantanka, Oti Region, amid a chieftaincy dispute in 2019.
Upon hearing the verdict, two of the convicted individuals, Kwabena Aduam and Amanpene Gyane, broke down in tears in the courtroom, while Kwabena Asante, who had been in custody, displayed little emotion.
The families and friends of Aduam and Gyane, who had been out on bail, were overcome with grief, while relatives of the deceased celebrated the court’s decision, expressing gratitude for the dispensation of justice.
In delivering the judgment, His Lordship Justice George Buadi noted inconsistencies in witness statements and cross-examination involving all three defendants.
“They tried to act clever by pleading alibi but evidence from the investigator proved beyond reasonable doubt that they indeed committed the crime”, he said.
In response to the verdict, Senior State Attorney Moses Asampoa expressed gratitude to the court, particularly the jurors, for upholding the principles of justice. He emphasized that the decision would serve as a deterrent to individuals contemplating taking the law into their own hands.
Background
The perpetrators stormed the chief’s palace armed with locally manufactured shotguns and opened fire in broad daylight, resulting in the death of one individual on the scene.
Three others sustained severe injuries and were rushed to Worawora Government Hospital for treatment but succumbed to their injuries while undergoing medical care.
Following extensive investigations, the police apprehended two suspects within the town. After several months, they arrested Asante, who had fled to neighboring Togo.
The region has been plagued by a series of chieftaincy disputes despite a court ruling confirming Nana Diawuo Bediako II as the rightful chief, a decision that has been officially recognized by the National House of Chiefs.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.