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A 28-year-old miner, Joseph Ntiful, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison with hard labour by the Tarkwa Circuit Court after he stabbed a mason multiple times in the back at Nsuaem, located in the Western Region.
Ntiful admitted to causing unlawful harm, in violation of section 69 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (29/60), but provided an explanation in his defense. However, the court, presided over by Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu, dismissed his explanation, stating that the punishment should serve as a warning to others, particularly the youth.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Ntiful to pay a compensation of GH¢10,000 to the victim.
The prosecution, led by Superintendent Juliana Essel-Dadzie, revealed that the victim, James Adu, and Ntiful both lived in the Nsuaem community, situated within the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
On the evening of June 4, 2024, at around 8:30 pm, Adu noticed Ntiful standing by a motorbike outside his residence. Curious about his presence, Adu inquired if Ntiful was searching for his landlord. Ntiful remained silent, prompting Adu to approach him, which led to an escalation in tension.
Without warning, Ntiful became enraged, hurling insults at Adu. As their argument intensified, several tenants intervened, attempting to defuse the situation. One of the witnesses advised Adu to leave the scene, as it was late, and he could be in danger. However, moments later, Ntiful unexpectedly stabbed Adu with a knife. Adu immediately reported the incident to the Nsuaem Police.
Following the attack, Ntiful went into hiding, and the police began searching for him. Adu was issued a medical form and received treatment at a health facility, later submitting the completed form to the police.
On July 22, 2024, around 4:30 am, police intelligence led to Ntiful’s arrest, resulting in his eventual prosecution and sentencing.
