A 27-year-old porter, Alex Abubakari, has been sentenced by an Accra Circuit Court to 15 years in prison for robbing and injuring Kofi Ametepe, a Togolese trader.
Abubakari pleaded guilty to charges of robbery and causing harm after attacking Ametepe by striking his head with a pavement block and then robbing him. During police questioning, Abubakari claimed he committed the crime due to extreme hunger.
Presiding Judge Mr. Isaac Addo considered Abubakari’s age and his admission of guilt in determining the sentence. Abubakari received a one-year sentence for causing harm and a 15-year sentence for robbery, to be served concurrently with hard labor. The court also ordered that any recovered stolen items be returned to Ametepe.
Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, leading the prosecution, informed the court that Abubakari was a squatter at Afua Sutherland Park. On the evening of October 26, around 8:30 p.m., Ametepe was seated at the Bank of Africa Recreational Garden near the Octagon building in Kinbu, Accra, when Abubakari approached him from behind and struck his head with a pavement block, causing Ametepe to lose consciousness.
Following the assault, Abubakari stole Ametepe’s Infinix Hot 50i mobile phone, valued at GH¢1,700, along with a backpack containing other personal items. A witness who saw the attack alerted security personnel nearby, prompting them to apprehend Abubakari and recover the stolen items, which were handed over to authorities.
The court was informed that Ametepe, who was bleeding heavily, was rushed to Ridge Hospital, where he was admitted for treatment. The police issued a medical form to Ametepe, who sustained head injuries, and a medical report was later submitted following his examination and treatment.
In his statement to investigators, Abubakari admitted to the offense, stating that he acted out of desperation due to hunger.
