The Principal State Attorney for the Upper West Region, Abdul Shakur Saeed, has welcomed the High Court’s decision to hand a life sentence to Elisha Mahama for the murder of the CEO of Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, Eric Johnson, popularly known as “Jirapa Dubai”.
Speaking to journalists after the judgment on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Mr Saeed described the ruling as “fair, thorough, and just,” praising the court for its diligence throughout the long trial.
“They say the wheels of justice grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine. Though we cannot bring Eric Johnson back, justice has been served,” he stated.
Mahama was convicted after forensic analysis linked him directly to the crime scene. Investigators found bloodstained footprints and fingerprints in the pool of blood where Johnson was discovered dead in his residence.
According to a report on myjoyonline, two other suspects, Belinda Miller and Kweku Kankumbata, who had been standing trial with Mahama, were acquitted and discharged after the court found no sufficient evidence against them.
According to Mr Saeed, the conviction was based on irrefutable scientific findings.
“The evidence spoke clearly—he was the one who killed Eric Johnson,” he said, stressing that the case demonstrated the critical role of forensic science in modern prosecutions.
On the possibility of an appeal by the defence, the Principal State Attorney expressed absolute confidence in the strength of the ruling.
“If the defence opts to appeal, we are ready. The Appeals Court is also our playground, and we believe this impeccable decision cannot be overturned,” he asserted.
He also applauded the court for freeing the second and third accused, saying it showed neutrality and respect for due process.
“It gladdens every lawyer when justice is dispensed fairly. Nobody is happy about Eric Johnson’s death, but every accused person deserves a fair trial,” he remarked.
Mr Saeed further dismissed viral media reports claiming he cried in court during his closing argument.
“Some reports said I wept or asked for clemency—that’s false. My voice changed out of emotion, but I did not cry,” he clarified.
Having practised law for 17 years, he described this case as one of the most emotionally taxing of his career.
The court ordered that Mahama begin his life sentence at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison in the Central Region.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
