Killers In Lynching Of Akua Denteh Sentenced to 12 Years Imprisonment

The Tamale High Court has sentenced two persons to 12 years imprisonment for their involvement in the gruesome murder of 90-year-old Akua Denteh in the Kafaba community.

The convicts are Hajia Serina Mohammed and Latifa Bumaye.

The incident, which occurred in the Kafaba community of the Savannah region, on Thursday, July 23, 2020, shook the nation as it highlighted the persistence of harmful superstitions and witchcraft accusations.

Akua Denteh, a frail elderly woman, was subjected to a vicious lynching after being accused of witchcraft.

The shocking event prompted immediate action from law enforcement, leading to the arrest of seven individuals, including Seidu Yahaya, the chief of the Kafaba community.

Following an extensive investigation, Hajia Serina Mohammed and Latifa Bumaye were apprehended at their respective hideouts and charged with attempted murder and murder in connection with the heinous crime.

Initially, both suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges.

However, in a surprising turn of events, counsel for the accused persons, Abass Klimba Amankwah, submitted a proposal to the prosecution in April, this year.

The proposal sought to change the pleas of his clients from not guilty to murder, to guilty to manslaughter.

Mr. Amankwah argued that the actions of his clients constituted manslaughter rather than premeditated murder.

After careful consideration, the Tamale High Court handed down its judgment on Tuesday, July 4. The accused persons were found guilty of manslaughter.

Hajia Mohammed was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment on each of the two counts, while Latifa Bumaye was also sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment on each of the 2 counts, to run concurrently.

The court’s decision serves as a stern reminder of the consequences that await those who perpetrate such acts of violence fueled by baseless superstitions.

It is important to note that this case brought to light the wider issue of witchcraft accusations in Ghana and the urgent need for education and awareness to dispel these harmful beliefs.

Earlier, five individuals, namely Haruna Aness, Issifa Tanko, Issifa Sachibu, Shaibu Muntala, and Sulemana Ali were acquitted after the Attorney General’s Department advised the police to do so.