Convict pleads with Supreme Court to reduce jail term

Charles Ansah, believed to be in his early 40s, has appealed to the Supreme Court to reduce his sentence.

The convict has served 13 years of a 33-year sentence for the offense of robbery.

He told a five-member panel to reduce his sentence because some of his colleagues had their sentences reduced.

Ansah, who was on his knees, told the apex court: “I only took the money, while Hamza, a colleague, pulled out a cutlass. I was not holding any weapon.”

“I beg you, please have mercy on me and reduce my sentence. Just as you had mercy on my colleague, please have mercy on me,” he pleaded.

Justice Amadu Tanko questioned Ansah, saying, “Your colleague has opened the gate for you, so you have also come?”

“We are aware that you are professionals; we also study the trends of appeals when matters are brought before us.”

“Do you know we can add more years to your sentence? Where are your colleagues now?”

Ansah, who was without a lawyer, responded that his colleagues were in the yard (Nsawam Prisons) and pleaded with the panel to have mercy on him and reduce his sentence.

After reviewing his appeal records, the panel noted that the judgment of the court that sentenced him and his colleagues was not included in the records before the Supreme Court.

The panel, therefore, adjourned the matter to April 16, 2025.

It directed Ansah to ensure that the said judgment was included in the Supreme Court records.