Eric Kojo Duah, accused of fatally shooting General Lance Corporal Mohammed Awal and Lance Corporal Michael Dzamesi on the Kasoa-Budumburam-Accra stretch in August 2019, has been handed a 20-year prison sentence following a Plea Bargaining agreement with the State.
Kojo Duah, who initially denied two charges of murder, opted to plead guilty to manslaughter. In light of this plea, an arrangement with the Republic sought a reduced punishment for manslaughter over the more severe charge of murder.
However, after his conviction, Justice Marie-Louise Simmons delivered a 20-year sentence for each of the two counts of manslaughter. Notably, the court ruled that these sentences would run concurrently, effectively culminating in a 20-year prison term for Duah.
During the proceedings on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Augustine Obour, counsel for Duah, disclosed the prior agreements with the state. He petitioned the court, emphasizing Duah’s willingness to plead guilty to manslaughter instead of murder, highlighting the intended ten-year sentence alignment as mutually agreed with the Prosecution.
In response, Nana Ama Prempeh, Senior State Attorney, acknowledged the accused’s plea change and the subsequent agreement. While emphasizing the gravity of the offense, Prempeh noted the admission of guilt for killing the two police officers on duty.
Moreover, the court was apprised of Duah’s efforts to engage the deceased officers’ family, albeit with no agreement reached. Following this testimony, the sentencing was issued after weighing both the mitigating and aggravating factors in the case.
Justice Simmons underscored the severity of the crime and noted Duah’s lack of exhibited remorse during court proceedings. The judge further highlighted the public safety threat posed by the offense and the accused’s prior traffic-related violations.
Ultimately, Eric Kojo Duah was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison for each count of manslaughter, with the terms to be served concurrently from October 31, 2023. The judge reiterated the convict’s right to appeal, expressing dissatisfaction with the Ghana Police Service’s apparent lack of interest in the case since her tenure began.”
