A 40-year-old mason, Dosso John, has been sentenced by the Circuit Court in Dansoman to a fine of GH¢6,000 or in default, eight years imprisonment after pleading guilty to charges of unlawful possession of narcotic drugs and carrying offensive weapons.
The sentence was handed down by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit on January 26, 2025.
Dosso was convicted on two counts, including unlawful possession of narcotic drugs and carrying offensive weapons, during the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama at Independence Square on January 7, 2025.
The presiding judge imposed 250 penalty units (GH¢3,000) for the charge of unlawful possession or control of narcotic drugs, which carries a default sentence of five years imprisonment.
Additionally, he was fined another 250 penalty units (GH¢3,000) for carrying offensive weapons, with a default sentence of three years imprisonment.The sentences are to run concurrently.
The initial charge of stealing a Tecno Camon 301 phone valued at GH¢3,500, the property of a landscape contractor, George Amadu, was withdrawn by the prosecution before sentencing.
He pleaded guilty to the charges and was earlier remanded
Case Facts
According to the brief facts presented in court, the incident occurred during the crowded inauguration ceremony at Independence Square.
The complainant, George Amadu, alleged that the accused stole his Tecno Camon 301 phone from his back pocket and passed it to an accomplice, who is still at large.
Upon being apprehended by Amadu and with assistance from police officers at the scene, a search of Dosso’s belongings revealed a kitchen knife tucked into his shirt.
Further examination of his backpack uncovered two rolls of suspected Indian hemp, a dagger, two human teeth, a charm and other items.
During interrogation, Dosso was unable to provide any credible explanation for possessing these items. He was subsequently charged and arraigned before the court.
