- 28-year-old miner jailed 12 years for stabbing
- Violent altercation leads to stabbing incident
- Joseph Ntiful pleads guilty to unlawful harm
- GH¢10,000 compensation awarded to victim
A 28-year-old miner, Joseph Ntiful, has been sentenced to 12 years of hard labor by the Tarkwa Circuit Court for stabbing a mason, James Adu, multiple times in the back at Nsuaem in the Western Region. Ntiful pleaded guilty to causing unlawful harm, contrary to section 69 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960, but the court rejected his explanation.
According to Superintendent Juliana Essel-Dadzie, the prosecutor, the incident occurred on June 4, 2024, at 8:30 pm, when Adu saw Ntiful standing beside a motorbike in his house. Adu asked Ntiful about his mission, but Ntiful remained silent, prompting Adu to approach him. Ntiful ordered Adu to stay away, became furious, and started insulting him.
A misunderstanding ensued between the two, but other tenants intervened to prevent a fight. However, despite the intervention, Ntiful suddenly stabbed Adu with a knife. Adu reported the incident to the Nsuaem Police station, and while the police searched for Ntiful, who had gone into hiding, they provided Adu with a medical report form to seek treatment.
The police eventually arrested Ntiful on July 22, 2024, at 4:30 am, following an intelligence-led operation. The court, presided over by Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu, sentenced Ntiful to 12 years of hard labor, citing the need to deter others, especially the youth, from committing similar crimes.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Ntiful to pay GH¢10,000 in compensation to Adu. This ruling reflects the severity of the crime and the consequences of violent behavior.
The incident highlights the importance of conflict resolution and the need for individuals to manage their emotions and reactions to potentially volatile situations.
Ntiful’s actions had severe consequences, not only for Adu but also for himself, resulting in a significant prison sentence.
The community’s swift response in intervening and reporting the incident demonstrates the value of collective responsibility in maintaining public safety.
The police’s efforts in apprehending Ntiful and ensuring justice was served demonstrate their commitment to protecting citizens and upholding the law.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the law and the consequences of violent behavior.
