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Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has justified the 70-year prison sentence he handed to notorious armed robber Ayi Ayeetey, popularly known as Ataa Ayi, describing it as a necessary measure to ensure justice and protect public safety.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10, 2025, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie reflected on the case, which he described as one from his “youthful days” on the bench. He said that although sentencing guidelines exist, judges sometimes need to exercise discretion in cases involving serious crimes.
“The judges and magistrates are trained; they have sentencing guidelines. But sometimes, they have to go beyond them. In my youthful days, I gave somebody 70 years — Ataa Ayi,” he said.
He explained that the severity of the sentence was influenced by the magnitude of Ataa Ayi’s crimes and the need to protect society.
“I told myself that if Ataa Ayi was given 30 years and came back, my family might be his first target. So by the time he comes back after 70 years, I’ll be gone,” he added humorously.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie emphasized that sentencing must balance justice, deterrence, and societal protection, sometimes requiring decisions that go beyond standard guidelines.
Ataa Ayi was Ghana’s most feared armed robber in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He led a notorious gang that terrorized residents of Accra and nearby areas, robbing victims at gunpoint and making away with vehicles, cash, and valuables.
After one of Ghana’s largest manhunts, Ataa Ayi was arrested at his hideout in Teshie Tsui Bleo, Accra, along with his girlfriend. In 2005, he was convicted on multiple counts of armed robbery and sentenced to 70 years in prison a landmark moment in Ghana’s fight against violent crime.
