'The law doesn't allow you to shoot a trespasser' – Vim Lady on shooting saga

Media personality and legal commentator, Afia Pokua, popularly known as Vim Lady, has shared her views on the controversy surrounding the alleged shooting incident involving the brother of Sarah Adwoa Safo.

In a video posted on her social media pages on June 23, 2026, Vim Lady explained that Ghana's laws on self-defence do not permit individuals to use deadly force against a trespasser unless the circumstances justify such action.

According to her, Sections 37 and 39 of Ghana's Criminal Offences Act provide citizens with the right to defend themselves when under attack. However, she stressed that the force used must be reasonable and proportional to the threat faced.

“In Ghana, we have criminal acts that show how to relate to one another according to the law, especially criminal issues. The law also allows people to get their personal guns and license them. The criminal act section 37 and 39 states that you can defend yourself if someone attacks you,” she said.

She further noted that even in situations where an individual is attacked at home, the response must be proportionate to the threat.

“I heard his brother saying Sarah Adwoa Safo’s people attacked him, but the law doesn’t say that because of self-defence, you can shoot someone. If you’re home and someone attacks you, make sure it’s proportional and the force you’re using on the person is reasonable,” she stated.

She continued, “Everyone has the right to self-defence or protect someone close to them in life-and-death situations. What Adwoa Safo’s brother said, the law doesn’t say we should use deadly force against a trespasser.”

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Commenting on a viral video linked to the incident, Vim Lady indicated that the footage would first need to be authenticated before it could be relied upon in court.

"If the video circulating online passes all the necessary tests and is proven not to be AI-generated or edited, then they’re in trouble. Not every video is admissible in court," she explained.

She argued that, based on the footage, questions could arise as to whether the armed men's actions were reasonably necessary under the circumstances.

“The security men in the video appeared to squat and take aim. Looking at that, a court could determine that the force used was not reasonably necessary. The video didn’t show Adwoa Safo carrying a gun. If the people approaching her were not armed and did not pose a deadly threat, then using such force may not be justified," she shared.

Vim Lady also expressed concern over reports that police officers and military personnel may have been involved in the incident, noting that members of the security services are governed by strict professional regulations in addition to the country's criminal laws.

She added that private security personnel could also face scrutiny if investigations establish that they used firearms unlawfully.

“This case is a very serious one and I feel bad that police officers and soldiers were involved. Apart from the Criminal Offences Act, the police and soldiers have service regulations. Private security men will also be in trouble because they’re not expected to use guns,” she added.

@afia_vimlady 🇬🇭Adwoa Sarfo vs. Akofena Someone may go to jail if... #ghanalaw #ghanatiktok🇬🇭 #ghanatiktokers🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭 #familyfeud ♬ original sound - afia_vimlady

FG/EB

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