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ADAMU KWABENA VS THE REPUBLIC

2024

HIGH COURT

GHANA

CORAM

  • HER LADYSHIP JUSTICE JOAN EYI KING

Areas of Law

  • Criminal Law and Procedure
  • Constitutional Law
  • Evidence Law

AI Generated Summary

Her Ladyship Justice Joan Eyi King of the High Court heard Adamu Kwabena’s appeal against a 36‑month custodial sentence imposed by the Circuit Court, Dambai, following his guilty plea to stealing under Section 124 of Act 29. Kwabena and five others, cattle farmers from Katafua near Kpelema, had assaulted complainants Ali Batsuyor, Ademu Mohamadi, and Kadija Ibrahim and damaged property; Kwabena also stole a cutlass, a Techno phone, and a bag with GHS 1,500 and IDs. On appeal, counsel argued prevalence of mitigating factors: first‑offender status, restitution of GHS 6,700 including compensation, guilty plea, and family responsibilities. The respondent argued the sentence was lawful and deterrent. Applying Supreme Court guidelines on rehearing and sentencing, and noting the trial judge gave no reasons and failed to assess mitigation, the High Court set aside the 36‑month sentence and substituted a fine of 500 penalty units, or in default 12 months’ imprisonment, also emphasizing concurrency for counts arising from one criminal transaction.

APPEAL - JUDGMENT