Accra, Ghana – Emmanuel Tetteh, a fisherman also known as “666,” “Escoba,” and “Commetey,” has been sentenced to 40 years imprisonment for the rape and robbery of a woman in the presence of her two young children. The incident occurred at Banana Inn, Accra.
Tetteh pleaded not guilty to the robbery charges before an Accra Circuit Court presided over by Judge Isaac Addo. However, after the trial, the court found him guilty and handed down the lengthy sentence. This sentence comes in addition to a pre-existing six-year sentence Tetteh is already serving for the theft of money and a mobile phone. The stolen phone, equipped with a tracking device, ultimately led to his arrest.
The court's decision heavily considered the premeditated nature of the crime. The judge noted that Tetteh's actions, including the rape of the victim in front of her three- and five-year-old daughters, demonstrated a depraved disregard for human life and decency. The fact that the crime was committed while Tetteh was already awaiting trial on other charges further exacerbated the severity of his actions. Judge Addo stated that Tetteh's criminal mind posed a significant threat to society, necessitating his long-term removal from the community.
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, presented evidence highlighting Tetteh's prior offenses, arguing for the harshest possible sentence. Two witnesses testified for the prosecution, while the defense called Tetteh's wife to the stand.
The victim, whose name has been withheld, resides in Abolo Bridge, a suburb of Banana Inn, while Tetteh lived in Chorkor. The attack occurred on June 23, 2022, around 3 a.m. The victim awoke to find her sliding window and main door ajar. Initially believing her daughter had left them open, she called her daughter to close them. Instead, Tetteh emerged from her bedroom, knife in hand, threatening her.
He forced her to hand over her Samsung Galaxy A12 phone and then, after fondling her, compelled her to lead him to where she kept her money. He robbed her of GHC 2,090 and an unspecified additional amount. After the robbery, he raped her, using a bedsheet to clean himself before fleeing the scene. The prosecution highlighted that a similar modus operandi was used in other crimes Tetteh had committed, as documented in cases before Circuit Court 10 in Accra. On July 15, 2024, the victim positively identified Tetteh in a police lineup.
The 40-year sentence reflects the gravity of Tetteh's crimes and serves as a stark warning against violence and sexual assault. The case underscores the importance of swift justice and the need to protect vulnerable members of society.
