In a dramatic turn of events, the Court of Appeal has acquitted and discharged Yaw Asante Agyekum, a man who spent over 20 years in prison for allegedly conspiring with infamous Ghanaian armed robber Ataa Ayi. The court’s decision overturns a 35-year sentence handed down in December 2002.
Agyekum, a mechanic by profession, was convicted for conspiracy to commit robbery after being linked to Ataa Ayi’s criminal network. Prosecutors claimed he was an accomplice because many of the motorbikes used in Ataa Ayi’s robberies were serviced in his workshop.
However, in a sitting on Thursday June 5th, a three-member panel of Justices at the Court of Appeal ruled that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify Agyekum’s conviction. His lawyer, George Bernard Shaw, successfully argued that mere association through a workshop did not amount to criminal conspiracy.
The ruling brings closure to a two-decade legal battle and reignites discussions on wrongful convictions and justice reform in Ghana.
Yaw Asante Agyekum expressed mixed emotions upon his release, grateful for his freedom but lamenting the years lost behind bars. Advocacy groups have since called for compensation and a broader review of similar cases.