Major Mahama’s killers to appeal life sentence, claim judge misled jury

• Jan 30, 2024

Three individuals among the twelve convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Major Maxwell Mahama are set to challenge their conviction.

The lead counsel, Theophilus Kafui Donkor, revealed that his clients believe the judge misdirected the jury, influencing the verdict against them. The trio has instructed him to take the matter to a higher level through an appeal

In an interview on JoyFM’s Newsnight, Mr Donkor stated, “My clients are not satisfied with the directions that the judge gave to the jury, so they have instructed me to appeal the decision on their behalf.”

He emphasized that the clients are convinced they have a strong case and are determined to challenge the verdict on appeal.

According to Mr Donkor, the grounds for the appeal revolve around the judge’s failure to direct the jury to the applicable law while determining the case’s verdict.

He pointed out that the judge’s direction did not align with legal standards, citing the case of Yirenkyi versus the Republic as a reference.

Highlighting the requirement to prove prior agreement in conspiracy charges, Mr Donkor argued that the prosecution failed to present evidence indicating an agreement among the twelve convicted individuals to commit the crime of killing Major Mahama.

Despite allegations of a planned meeting, two individuals were acquitted, further strengthening the appeal’s foundation.

Mr Donkor mentioned that during the legal process, multiple appeals were filed, some of which are still pending. All outstanding appeals will be consolidated into a composite appeal, with the primary argument centered on the improper direction given by the judge to the jury.

The twelve individuals have already commenced serving their life sentences at the Nsawam Prison in the Eastern Region.

Major Maxwell Mahama met his tragic demise at the hands of an angry mob in Denkyira Obuasi, Central Region, while on official duty as a detachment commander on May 29, 2017.

tigpost.co