A 25-year-old Level 200 student of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for robbing a hairdresser at knifepoint in Abuakwa. Fatawu Amponsah, who is also a driver’s mate, pleaded guilty to the charges and was convicted on his own plea by the Akropong Circuit Court.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on June 16, 2025, around 2:30 a.m., when the victim, Juliet Nyarko, a hairdresser apprentice, was returning home from Abuakwa township. Amponsah trailed her to a section of the road and demanded her iPhone 11, valued at GH¢3,000. When Nyarko refused, Amponsah pulled out a kitchen knife and subjected her to severe beatings until she became weak. He then pushed her to the ground, took the mobile phone, and bolted, leaving the victim screaming for help.
Community Intervention
Fortunately, community members heard Nyarko’s cries and rushed to the scene, chasing Amponsah and later arresting him. They handed him over to the Abuakwa police, who investigated the matter and brought him before the court .
Court Proceedings
The court, presided over by Mrs. Gloria Mensah Bonsu, convicted Amponsah based on his guilty plea and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment. Police Detective Inspector Alexander Agbekpornu prosecuted the case, presenting evidence of Amponsah’s guilt.
Reaction to the Sentence
The sentence has been seen as a warning and a lesson, emphasizing the need for vigilance and community support to prevent such tragedies. It also raises concerns about rising youth involvement in crime and the importance of educational institutions, parents, and youth leaders working together to guide students toward positive choices.