In a landmark decision, the High Court in Accra has sentenced Otis Kwadwo Antwi, a driver, to life imprisonment for the gruesome murder of Emmanuel Okai, a 35-year-old spray painter and car dealer. The verdict was delivered on November 22, 2024, following a unanimous decision by a seven-member jury panel.
The presiding judge, Justice (Mrs.) El-Freda Dankyi, handed down the sentence after the jury found Antwi guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The trial, which spanned several years, was marked by compelling testimonies and meticulous legal arguments presented by both the prosecution and defense teams.
The Case in Detail
The tragic events leading to this conviction date back to June 6, 2015. The deceased, Emmanuel Okai, also known as Yaw Amoah or ‘Yaw Home Use,’ was an auto spray painter and car dealer. On that fateful day, Okai had arranged to travel to Takoradi with an unregistered 2010 model Toyota Rav 4 vehicle belonging to a complainant in the case. He had intended to showcase the vehicle to potential buyers, including a white man introduced by his car dealer friend. This would be the last time anyone saw Okai alive.
Days later, his mutilated body was discovered abandoned on a road between Awunakrom and Mpohor. The injuries were horrific—multiple lacerations across his face and body, a gaping wound near his ribs with internal organs spilling out, and evidence that he had been dragged along the road. Items found on his body included his NHIS card, Ecobank Debit Card, driver’s license, and other personal belongings. However, the Toyota Rav 4 vehicle he had been transporting was missing.
Prosecution’s Argument
Led by Principal State Attorney Mrs. Sefakor Batse, the prosecution presented a compelling case against Antwi. Over the course of the trial, seven witnesses were called to testify. The prosecution argued that the injuries inflicted on Okai were intentional and designed to ensure his death. Mrs. Batse described the crime as premeditated and brutal, pointing out that the accused had slashed the deceased with a sharp object and dragged him along the road.
Further investigations revealed that the missing Toyota Rav 4 vehicle was eventually sold to a businessman in Kumasi for GH₵74,000. The chain of transactions traced back to Antwi, who admitted selling the vehicle for GH₵50,000. However, his claims regarding his interactions with Okai were inconsistent with the timeline of events established during the investigation.
One of Antwi’s claims was that Okai had given him permission to sell the vehicle and had even received the proceeds from the sale. However, this assertion was contradicted by evidence showing that Okai’s body had been discovered on June 7, 2015—well before the dates Antwi claimed these transactions occurred.
Defense’s Argument
The defense team, represented by Akwasi Opoku Agyemang on behalf of Joe Debrah Esq., argued that the prosecution’s case was built on suspicions and lacked incontrovertible evidence directly linking Antwi to the murder. They contended that the standard of proof required to convict their client had not been met beyond reasonable doubt.
Defense counsel emphasized that inconsistencies in Antwi’s statements should not absolve the prosecution of its duty to provide irrefutable evidence. They urged the jury to carefully consider whether the evidence presented conclusively proved Antwi’s involvement in the crime.
Verdict and Sentencing
After summing up the case for the jury and reminding them of their responsibilities under the law, Justice El-Freda Dankyi allowed them to deliberate. On November 22, 2024, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
In accordance with Section 46 of Ghana’s Criminal Offenses Act 1960 (Act 29), Justice Dankyi sentenced Antwi to life imprisonment. She also highlighted the broader implications of their decision for the families of both the deceased and the accused, as well as for society at large.
Key Evidence and Findings
1. Mutilated Corpse: The condition of Okai’s body indicated extreme violence and intent to kill.
2. Vehicle Recovery: The Toyota Rav 4 was traced back to Antwi through multiple transactions.
3. Inconsistent Statements: Antwi’s claims about his interactions with Okai were contradicted by evidence.
4. Witness Testimonies: Seven witnesses provided crucial information that strengthened the prosecution’s case.
Justice for Emmanuel Okai
This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violent crimes and underscores Ghana’s commitment to upholding justice. The life sentence handed down to Otis Kwadwo Antwi reflects the gravity of his actions and provides some measure of closure for the family and friends of Emmanuel Okai.
While this verdict cannot undo the pain caused by this heinous crime, it reaffirms the legal system’s role in ensuring accountability and protecting society from such acts of violence.
