An Accra High Court has granted Pastor Hammond Love a GH₵2 million bail as he appeals a 48-month prison sentence for stealing a Toyota Highlander valued at $50,000.
The court, presided over by Justice Kizita Naa Koowah Quarshie, admitted the pastor to bail with two sureties justified by landed property. Pastor Love is required to submit his passport, valid until at least November 15, 2025, to the court registry and report to the police every Tuesday.
The Case Background
Pastor Love was convicted of stealing a vehicle belonging to his childhood friend, Samuel Amankwa, a businessman based in the United States. In November 2016, Mr. Amankwa shipped the vehicle to Ghana but lacked funds to clear it. Pastor Love offered to clear the car on his behalf, claiming to have taken a loan of GH₵40,000 from Loyed Micro Finance Company to pay the duties.
The pastor allegedly sold the vehicle without the complainant’s consent, citing accrued loan interest as the reason. When Mr. Amankwa returned to Ghana in April 2017 and demanded the vehicle, Pastor Love requested repayment of GH₵50,000 for the loan and $2,000 for shipment fees. Efforts to locate the car or the buyer, Pastor Johnson, proved futile, as did attempts to verify the microfinance company’s existence.
In May 2017, the matter was reported to the East Legon Police, leading to Pastor Love’s arrest and subsequent conviction.
Appeal and Bail Application
Pastor Love’s lawyer, Mr. Kwame Yeboah, argued that the appeal against the conviction had a high chance of success, claiming that the trial judge erred in concluding that his client stole the vehicle. He emphasized that Pastor Love used his own funds to clear the vehicle and informed the complainant afterward.
Mr. Yeboah also dismissed the prosecution’s claim that Pastor Love would abscond if granted bail, highlighting his ties to the country, including his family and community support.
State’s Opposition
Assistant State Attorney Ms. Rita Ofosua Appiah opposed the bail application, arguing that Pastor Love failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances or errors in the judgment. She maintained that the trial court’s decision was legally sound and urged the High Court to reject the bail request.
Court Decision
Despite the prosecution’s objections, the High Court granted bail to Pastor Love, emphasizing adherence to the set conditions, including surrendering his passport and reporting weekly to the police.
This development gives Pastor Love the opportunity to pursue his appeal while temporarily regaining his freedom.
