Mason Apprentice Receives 30-Year Sentence in Murder Case of Ghanaian University Lecturer
Accra High Court delivers a 30-year prison sentence to Ebenezer Kwayisi, a mason apprentice, for his involvement in the murder of former University of Ghana law lecturer, Professor Emmanuel Yaw Benneh. Kwayisi pleaded guilty to abetment to manslaughter, accepting a reduced charge negotiated with the prosecution under Section 239(2) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30). The prosecution presented evidence linking the prime suspect, James Nana Womba, who confessed to the murder before his death in police custody, to the crime scene.
In a somber turn of events, the Accra High Court has delivered its verdict in the case of the murder of former University of Ghana law lecturer, Professor Emmanuel Yaw Benneh. Ebenezer Kwayisi, a 28-year-old mason apprentice, stood before Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh to receive a hefty sentence of 30 years in prison for his involvement in the crime.
The courtroom atmosphere was tense as Kwayisi, having pleaded guilty to abetment to manslaughter, faced the consequences of his actions. The prosecution, in a strategic move, negotiated with Kwayisi to accept a reduced charge under Section 239(2) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30). This section allows for defendants to plead guilty to a similar offense in exchange for leniency, fostering cooperation between the accused and the prosecution.
Kwayisi's decision to plead guilty to abetment to manslaughter, rather than the more severe charge of murder, paved the way for a recommended sentence of 30 years, which was ultimately accepted by the court. However, it was made clear that this sentence would not be served lightly; Kwayisi is to endure hard labor throughout his incarceration.
The murder of Professor Benneh sent shockwaves through the community when his lifeless body was discovered in September 2020 at his residence, bearing signs of a violent struggle. The investigation led to the prime suspect, James Nana Womba, a cleaner at Benneh's home, who confessed to the crime before his untimely demise in police custody on October 17, 2020.
The prosecution meticulously presented evidence linking Womba to the murder, including fingerprints found at the crime scene, which were determined to match those of the deceased suspect.
The grim details of Professor Benneh's murder serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violent crime. The swift and decisive legal action taken in this case underscores the commitment of the Ghanaian justice system to hold perpetrators accountable and deliver justice for the victims and their families.
As Ebenezer Kwayisi begins his lengthy sentence behind bars, the community reflects on the tragic loss of a respected academic and the enduring scars left by this senseless act of violence.
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