The Wa High Court has sentenced Elisha Mahama Akpanichie, a 33-year-old man, to life imprisonment for the murder of Mr. Eric Johnson, the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, popularly known as Jirapa Dubai. The Upper West Regional Police Command confirmed the sentence, which was handed down on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
The tragic incident occurred on February 11, 2024, in Jirapa, where Akpanichie brutally murdered Mr. Johnson and fled the scene. A swift, intelligence-led operation by the Police led to the suspect’s prompt arrest in the Central Region.
The trial, presided over by Justice Alhaji Yussif Assibey at the Wa High Court, concluded with Akpanichie being found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison. In a related ruling, the court acquitted and discharged Belinda Miller and Kweku Kumbata, who had also been standing trial in connection with the case.
Regional Police Commander ACP Francis Hiribaare commended all parties involved in the legal process, including investigators, prosecutors, witnesses, and the public, for ensuring justice was delivered in the significant case.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
