The Circuit Court 11, presided over by Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah, has ordered a psychiatric examination for 26-year-old Nana Yaw Boakye, an unemployed man, accused of attempted robbery and causing unlawful harm to a female student.
The directive followed what the court described as “strange behavior” exhibited by Boakye, after he initially pleaded guilty to the charges.
Upon being asked to plead for mitigation, Boakye abruptly reversed his narrative, claiming he was the actual victim in the case and was being wrongfully pursued.
He also made inconsistent statements about his identity and background, claiming to be Nigerian, but unable to identify which state he hails from.
“I was running from Nima to help my father at Teshie. I didn’t know what I had done when people started chasing me,” he shouted in court, accompanied by exaggerated gestures, which raised concerns about his mental state.
Although Boakye had already pleaded guilty to both counts, the judge ruled that his behaviour suggested he might not have fully understood the implications of his plea.
“The accused’s behaviour depicts someone who may have mental challenges and hereby orders the accused be sent to the Accra Psychiatric hospital assessment,” Judge Adjei-Tawiah stated.
As a result, a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf and he was remanded into custody until August 21, 2025 pending the results of the psychiatric assessment.
According to the brief facts presented by Chief Inspector Rosemond Anyane, the incident occurred on July 25, 2025 at around 7:30 a.m.
The complainant, a student living at the Teshie Police Barracks, had gone to the Teshie market to buy porridge when she realised the accused was following her.
Without warning, Boakye allegedly stabbed her multiple times in the right hand and ribs, in an attempt to steal her phone.
The victim was rushed to the Teshie Family Health Hospital, where she received treatment and was later discharged.
Police investigations led to the arrest of Boakye, the following day. A knife suspected to have been used in the attack was found in his possession, and he reportedly admitted to the offence during interrogation.
The court awaits the outcome of the psychiatric evaluation before proceeding with trial.
