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By Samuel Asamoah
The Gbetsile Circuit Court in Tema has sentenced two men to 15 years’ imprisonment each in hard labour after they pleaded guilty to charges of robbery in connection with an attack and rape incident that occurred at Okushibli, along the Apollonia–Afienya road, on September 27, 2025.
The convicts, Nicholas Tetteh, a commercial motor rider, and Joseph Tetteh, were arraigned before Her Ladyship Eleanor Kakra Barns Botchway on Tuesday. They both admitted to the robbery charge during court proceedings.
According to the facts presented by the prosecution, the victim, a 19-year-old hairdresser, had hired Nicholas Tetteh to transport her to Afienya. However, along the way, he conspired with two accomplices to attack her. The victim was dragged into a nearby bush, where she was sexually assaulted by two of the suspects and robbed of her iPhone XR and a handbag containing GHC 150.00.
The victim later reported the incident to the Zenu-Atadeka District Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU). A medical form was issued for examination and treatment, while investigations led to the arrest of the accused persons.
After reviewing the evidence and their plea, the court found the two guilty of robbery and sentenced them to 15 years in prison each, to run concurrently.
However, the rape charge against them is yet to be heard, pending advice from the Attorney-General’s Office, the court was told.
Delivering the sentence, Her Ladyship Eleanor Kakra Barns Botchway condemned the attack as “a brutal act that not only violated the victim’s dignity but also undermined public safety.” She stressed that such crimes would be met with severe punishment to serve as a deterrent to others.
In a statement following the sentencing, the Tema Regional Police Command commended the court for ensuring swift justice. The statement, signed by ASP Dede Dzakpasu, Head of Public Affairs, assured the public of continued police efforts to protect citizens and pursue justice for victims of sexual and violent crimes.
“The Police assure the public of our continued efforts to ensure justice for the victim and maintain public safety,” ASP Dzakpasu emphasized.
The case has been adjourned pending further legal advice on the rape charges.
