The Wa High Court has sentenced Shariff Abdulai, popularly known as “Cristos”, to life imprisonment with hard labour for over 20 murders.
Authorities say the convict carried out the series of murders at Wa, Bole and other communities.
The court delivered the ruling on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, after the accused admitted guilt to the charges against him.
Presiding over the case was Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi, who decisively handed down the life sentence after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crimes and the confession made by the accused during the hearing.
The Public Affairs Unit of the Ghana Police Service in the Upper West Region shared details of the case in an official press release.
The statement, signed by the Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, indicated that Abdulai confessed to carrying out multiple killings in different locations.
The police report states that the suspect killed sixteen victims in the Wa municipality and five others in Bole. In addition, investigators linked him to one murder in Banda Nkwanta and another in Bamboi.
The police explained that the suspect’s arrest followed a lengthy and carefully coordinated investigation.
On October 6, 2025, officers acting on intelligence gathered over time successfully apprehended Abdulai after conducting sustained operations aimed at tracking his movements and collecting evidence related to the murders.
Following his arrest, the case initially passed through the District Magistrate Court, which reviewed the preliminary evidence before committing the matter to the High Court for full trial.
When Shariff Abdulai appeared before the High Court in Wa, he was accompanied by his legal counsel, however, during the proceedings, he chose not to contest the allegations and instead entered a direct guilty plea.
Based on that admission and the evidence presented, Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi sentenced Abdulai to life imprisonment with hard labour, underscoring the seriousness of the offences and the devastating impact the crimes had on the affected communities and families of the victims.
Authorities have confirmed that the convicted man will serve his sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
Meanwhile, the Upper West Regional Police Command has reiterated its firm commitment to maintaining law and order.
Officials stressed that the police remain determined to pursue criminals relentlessly and ensure that communities across the region remain safe for residents who abide by the law.
