A 28-year-old miner has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment in hard labour by the Tarkwa Circuit Court for stabbing a mason with a knife on his back severally at Nsuaem in the Western Region.  

Joseph Ntiful, the convict, pleaded guilty with an explanation for causing unlawful harm: contrary to section 69 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (29/60).  

The court presided over by Hathia Ama Manu rejected Ntiful’s explanation, saying, he would be punished to serve as a deterrent to every Ghanaian out there, especially the youth.  

In addition, a compensation of GH¢10,000 was awarded by the court against Ntiful.  

Superintendent Juliana Essel-Dadzie, prosecuting, said the complainant, James Adu, and Ntiful were both residents of Nsuaem in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.  

She said on June 4, 2024, at about 8:30 pm, Adu saw Ntiful standing beside a motorbike in his house, and he asked about his mission and even went further to know if he was looking for his landlord.  

Prosecution said Ntiful did not utter a word, and this compelled Adu to draw closer, but he ordered him to stay away from him, got furious and started raining insults on Adu.  

She said a misunderstanding ensued between the two but other tenants who overheard them shouting came out of their respective rooms to prevent them from fighting.  

Afterwards, a witness advised Adu to stay away as it was late and he could be attacked, but suddenly Ntiful stabbed Adu with a knife and he went to the Nsuaem Police station to complain.  

Superintendent Essel-Dadzie said while the duty bearers were hunting for Ntiful who went into hiding, they gave out a Police medical report form to Adu to visit the health facility, who later returned the form to the Police after treatment.  

She said on Monday, July 22, 2024, at about 4:30 am intelligence gathered by the Police led to the arrest of Ntiful.