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RICHARD TURKSON v. THE REPUBLIC

2012

COURT OF APPEAL

GHANA

CORAM

  • MARIAMA OWUSU, J.A. (PRESIDING)
  • FRANCIS KORBIEH, J.A.
  • IRENE DANQUAH, J.A

Areas of Law

  • Criminal Law and Procedure

AI Generated Summary

This appeal by Richard Turkson challenges convictions and sentence imposed by the High Court in Kumasi for conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery against trader Mabel Antwi-Kusi. Turkson pleaded guilty to both counts, but later explained that he was ill on the night of the robbery, had earlier shown accomplice Odartey the target house, and subsequently retrieved a bag left for him containing stolen items. Justice Mariama Owusu, writing for the Court of Appeal, upheld the conspiracy conviction, finding Turkson’s explanation demonstrated abetment and common purpose under section 23(1) of Act 29/60. On the robbery count, the Court held the explanation contradicted the guilty plea, requiring a ‘Not Guilty’ plea under section 171 of Act 30/60, and set aside that conviction. Emphasizing deterrence amid rising robbery, the Court declined to reduce the twenty-year sentence, dismissing the sentence appeal.

JUDGMENT