Tarkwa Circuit Court Jails 23-Year-Old Man 15 Years for Hammer Attack and Robbery of Food Vendor

A Tarkwa Circuit Court has handed down a 15-year prison sentence to Enock Appiah, a 23-year-old unemployed man popularly known as "Odanka," following his conviction for robbery and unlawful entry. The sentencing, which took place on January 27, 2026, concludes a case that centered on a violent confrontation in Adjakaa Manso involving a local food vendor. Appiah pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him, leading to the significant custodial sentence as the court sought to address the gravity of the assault and the threat posed to public safety.

The details of the case reveal a harrowing ordeal for the victim, Aisha Ayaba. On the day of the incident, Appiah gained unlawful entry into the premises and launched a physical assault against Ayaba, using a hammer as a weapon to facilitate the crime. During the struggle, he succeeded in stealing mobile phones valued at GH¢2,700. This act of violence against a small-scale entrepreneur highlighted growing concerns regarding the safety of local business operators in the region, particularly those working in relatively isolated settings.

In the aftermath of the robbery, investigative efforts led to the swift apprehension of Appiah and the successful recovery of the stolen mobile devices. During the court proceedings, presiding officials ordered that the recovered electronic items be returned to their rightful owner, providing a measure of restitution to Ayaba. Furthermore, the court directed that the hammer used during the commission of the crime be forfeited to the Republic of Ghana, ensuring the weapon is permanently removed from circulation.

The 15-year sentence serves as a stern reminder of the legal consequences awaiting those who engage in violent criminal activities within the country. By processing the case and delivering a verdict, the Tarkwa Circuit Court has reinforced the message that acts of robbery and unlawful entry will be met with the full force of the law. For the community of Adjakaa Manso, the resolution of this case brings a sense of justice and underscores the vital role of the judiciary in maintaining order and protecting the livelihoods of citizens.