The Tarkwa Circuit Court presided over by Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu, has sentenced a 28-year-old miner to 12 years of hard labour for repeatedly stabbing a mason in the back at Nsuaem in the Western Region.
The convict, Joseph Ntiful, pleaded guilty with an explanation to the charge of causing unlawful harm, contrary to Section 69 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29/60). However, the judge rejected his explanation and stated that his sentence should serve as a deterrent, especially for the youth.
Additionally, the court ordered Ntiful to pay a compensation of GH¢10,000 to the victim.
Prosecutor Superintendent Juliana Essel-Dadzie informed the court that both the complainant, James Adu, and Ntiful resided in Nsuaem, within the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
On June 4, 2024, at around 8:30 p.m., Adu encountered Ntiful standing beside a motorbike at Adu’s residence. Adu inquired about Ntiful’s purpose and asked whether he was looking for the landlord. Ntiful remained silent, which prompted Adu to approach him. Ntiful, however, became furious, ordered Adu to stay away, and began hurling insults at him.
A heated argument ensued, drawing the attention of other tenants who intervened to prevent a fight. Despite the warnings from a witness advising Adu to retreat, Ntiful suddenly stabbed Adu with a knife. Adu immediately reported the incident to the Nsuaem Police Station.
While the police launched a manhunt for Ntiful, who had gone into hiding, Adu was given a medical report form to seek treatment. He returned the completed form to the police after receiving care.
On July 22, 2024, at about 4:30 a.m., police intelligence led to the arrest of Ntiful, who had been in hiding since the attack.
source: republiconline.com
