An Accra High Court has recently made a significant decision in the case of Pastor Hammond Love, who is currently serving a 48-month jail term for stealing. The court has granted him a GHC2 million bail with two sureties to be justified with landed property.
Pastor Love was convicted for stealing a Toyota Highlander valued at $50,000, which belonged to his childhood friend, Samuel Amankwa, in 2017. Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, the trial Judge, Mr. Isaac Addo, found him guilty and sentenced him accordingly.
Presiding over the case, Justice Kizita Naa Koowah Quarshie ordered Pastor Love to submit his passport to the Court Registry, with the condition that it should not expire before November 15, 2025. Additionally, the court mandated the serving convict to report to the Police every Tuesday.
In response to his conviction, Pastor Love, through his lawyer Mr. Kwame Yeboah, filed an application for bail pending an appeal before the court. Mr. Yeboah argued that the appeal had a good chance of succeeding and pointed out exceptional circumstances in the matter.
On the other hand, Ms. Rita Ofosua Appiah, an Assistant State Attorney, strongly opposed the application for bail pending appeal. She argued that the appeal was not likely to succeed and that there were no exceptional circumstances justifying bail.
The prosecution led by ASP Seth Frimpong presented the case that Samuel Amankwa, the complainant, had shipped an unregistered Toyota Highlander into the country and had asked Pastor Love to clear it with his own money. However, Love later sold the car without the knowledge and consent of the complainant.
This decision by the Accra High Court has sparked debate and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Pastor Love's conviction. While some argue in favor of bail pending appeal, others believe that the severity of the crime warrants serving the full sentence before any further considerations.
As the legal proceedings continue, it is evident that this case has captured public attention and highlighted the complexities of justice and accountability. The outcome of Pastor Hammond Love's appeal will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications and will be closely monitored by legal experts and the general public alike.
It remains to be seen how this case will unfold in the coming months, but one thing is certain – the decision made by the Accra High Court has put a spotlight on the intricacies of our legal system and the pursuit of justice.
