A retired military officer, Joseph Abusah, and a pastor, Benjamin Kofi Agbetiafah, have each been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for their roles in the assault that led to the death of a taxi driver, Solomon Dapaah, following a dispute over an alleged fake GH¢50 note.
Dispute at Shop Sparks Pursuit
According to court proceedings, the incident began when Solomon Dapaah patronised a shop operated by the mother of Pastor Agbetiafah and paid with a GH¢50 note. The shop owner reportedly suspected the note was counterfeit.
Prosecutors told the court that after the taxi driver had driven away from the scene, the woman raised an alarm, prompting the two men to pursue him.
The convicts allegedly chased Dapaah in a pickup vehicle and intercepted him shortly afterward.
Assault and Death
Upon catching up with the taxi driver, Abusah and Agbetiafah reportedly confronted him over the disputed note. The confrontation escalated into a physical assault during which the two men allegedly beat Dapaah until he lost consciousness.
He was rushed to a health facility but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Medical evidence presented in court linked the assault to the injuries that resulted in his death.
Sentencing
After considering the evidence, the court convicted and sentenced both men to six months’ imprisonment each.
The case has sparked public discussion about mob justice and the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands, particularly in disputes involving suspected counterfeit currency.
Authorities have reiterated that individuals who suspect criminal activity should report the matter to the police rather than resort to violence.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
About The Author
