PRINCE DENKU VS THE REPUBLIC

This High Court criminal appeal concerns Prince Denku, a loading boy from Donkorkrom, who pleaded guilty at the Circuit Court, Mpraeso (presided over by Stephen Kumi) to conspiracy and robbery arising from an attack on cattle herdsman Bush Maanu near the “Bush Drinking Spot.” The prosecution’s facts showed Denku struck Maanu with a stick after accomplice Kofigo (at large) hit Maanu with a stone, enabling the theft of Maanu’s Techno Pop 5 phone valued at GH¢800. Maanu was hospitalized, and Denku admitted the offence. Convicted on his own plea, Denku received 15 years’ imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently. He appealed, arguing the conviction was unsupported, the conspiracy law was misapplied, and that his plea was uninformed, breaching fair trial rights. The High Court, applying Act 30’s summary plea procedures (s.171), constitutional fair trial principles (Art. 19), and the appellate rehearing standard, found the record showed the charge and facts were explained in Twi, the legal effect of the plea was conveyed, and Denku’s words were recorded. Finding no miscarriage of justice and distinguishing indictable plea procedures (s.199), the Court dismissed the appeal and affirmed the conviction and sentence.