The Ho Circuit Court has sentenced three individuals to a combined total of 19 years’ imprisonment for their involvement in a violent robbery near the Ho Central Market.

The convicted persons, Mercy Sokpe, aged 22; Atsu Kamasa, aged 25; and Godfred Dzidonu, aged 19, were sentenced on Friday, 9th May 2025, by His Honour Osman Abdul-Hakeem after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery.

According to a statement signed by DSP Felix Danku, Public Affairs Officer of the Ghana Police Service in the Volta Region, the incident occurred on 4th May 2025 at approximately 4:30pm. The trio had conspired to rob a 21-year-old victim, Elijah Torgbedzi, of his iPhone 6s, valued at GH¢700.

In a premeditated move, Mercy Sokpe approached the complainant under the pretence of taking a selfie with the mobile phone. Once she had the device in her possession, she signalled her accomplices, who proceeded to attack Mr Torgbedzi with a pair of scissors before fleeing with the phone.

The victim raised an alarm, leading to the swift arrest of Godfred Dzidonu, who was found with the stolen phone and handed over to the police. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the remaining suspects from their hideouts in Ho.

During the court proceedings, all three accused pleaded guilty to the charges. Each was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit robbery. Additionally, Atsu Kamasa and Godfred Dzidonu received five years each for the robbery charge.

The Ghana Police Service has commended the swift response of the public and reiterated its commitment to fighting crime across the region. The Service also issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain alert and exercise caution when approached by strangers requesting assistance.

“The Police would like to advise the public to be alert, vigilant and cautious of persons who may approach them for help,” DSP Danku stated.

The sentencing brings closure to a case that underscores the dangers of opportunistic crime and highlights the importance of public vigilance in supporting law enforcement efforts.