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Residents of Wa in Ghana’s Upper West Region have welcomed the life sentence handed to convicted serial killer Shariff Abdulai, describing the ruling as a major step toward restoring safety and justice in the community.
The judgment was delivered by the Judicial Service of Ghana through the Wa High Court on March 4, 2026. Abdulai, also known as “Cristos,” was convicted for the murder of Issah Yahaya and 22 other victims across several communities.
For years, residents of Wa and nearby areas lived in fear due to a series of killings that shook the municipality and raised serious security concerns.
Community relief after judgment
Many residents say the ruling has brought relief and a sense of justice after years of anxiety.
Jacob Maali, a resident of Wa, described the judgment as a huge relief for the community.
“I’m glad for the ruling delivered through this case. It is a big relief for the lives of the people, especially residents in Wa. This has been happening for years, and many people have been advocating for justice to be served,” he said.
However, Maali also urged authorities to continue investigations to determine whether the convicted killer acted alone or had accomplices.
Calls for vigilance and further investigations
Another resident, Lillian Asiedu, said the sentence has helped ease the climate of fear that once gripped residents, particularly women and people who frequently travel alone.
She explained that many people previously felt unsafe moving around the municipality because of the mysterious killings.
“If you moved around and there were no people nearby, you felt afraid that the killers might be somewhere watching you,” she said.
Clement Kajatanga also described the ruling as a victory for justice, adding that the killings had caused psychological distress across the region for several years.
According to him, the judgment demonstrates the importance of the rule of law in protecting citizens and maintaining peace in society.
