In a case that underscores the importance of law enforcement and justice, the Tarkwa Circuit Court has sentenced Stephen Ampofo, a 25-year-old driver also known as Kwabena Atta, to 15 years of imprisonment with hard labour. The conviction comes after Ampofo pleaded guilty to charges of theft and causing harm to his neighbour, Elisha Makom, a farmer residing in Wassa Dawurampong in Ghana's Western Region.
The judgment, delivered by Presiding Judge Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu, not only imposes a custodial sentence but also mandates the convict to pay GH¢5,000 as compensation to the victim. This ruling serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of criminal actions and the judiciary's commitment to safeguarding community welfare.
The Incident
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Joseph Lartey, who prosecuted the case, recounted the series of events leading to Ampofo's conviction. On February 28, 2025, Makom, who was recuperating from an injury, boiled water to massage his body—a therapeutic practice he hoped would aid his recovery. Ampofo visited him on that day and offered assistance with the massage, a gesture Makom accepted without hesitation.
After the massage session, Makom fell asleep with his Itel keypad mobile phone beside him. Ampofo initially left the house but later returned and stole the phone. Upon waking up and discovering the theft, Makom suspected Ampofo and went to his residence. A search of Ampofo’s room uncovered the stolen phone, albeit without its battery.
Makom informed neighbours about the theft and confronted Ampofo. While Ampofo initially denied the accusation, he eventually apologized before returning to his house. The matter seemed resolved until later that evening when Ampofo took an alarming and violent turn.
A Shocking Act of Violence
At approximately 5:30 p.m. on the same day, Ampofo returned to Makom’s residence. In a horrifying act of aggression, he attacked Makom with a sharp cutlass, slashing his throat before fleeing the scene. Makom’s desperate cries for help alerted nearby residents, who rushed him to a health centre for immediate medical attention.
The gravity of this incident prompted swift action from local authorities. Ampofo was traced and arrested by residents who handed him over to the Bawdie Police for further investigation. A police medical form issued to Makom was endorsed by a medical officer and submitted as evidence in court.
Admission of Guilt
During police interrogation, Ampofo admitted to both the theft and the assault. He claimed that he was under the influence of akpeteshie—a locally brewed gin—at the time of the offences. However, this admission did little to mitigate the severity of his actions or their impact on the victim and community.
The Court’s Verdict
In delivering her judgment, Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu emphasized the seriousness of the crimes committed by Ampofo. The court sentenced him to 15 years in prison with hard labour for his actions and ordered him to pay GH¢5,000 as compensation to Makom. This dual penalty aims to serve both punitive and restorative purposes: punishing the offender while offering some form of relief to the victim.
Reflections on Justice and Community Safety
This case highlights several critical issues, including the devastating effects of substance abuse on decision-making and interpersonal relationships. It also underscores the importance of community vigilance in reporting crimes and supporting victims. The swift intervention by neighbours and law enforcement ensured that justice was served and that a dangerous individual was removed from society.
While Makom continues his recovery from both physical and emotional trauma, the court’s decision sends a clear message: criminal acts will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face the full weight of the law.
As communities across Ghana strive for peace and security, stories like this remind us of the shared responsibility to uphold justice and protect one another from harm.
