Takoradi kidnapping suspect sentenced to six years

One of the three suspects arrested for faking a kidnapping in the Western Regional capital, Takoradi, has been sentenced to six years in prison.

This was after the 29-year-old Joana Krah pleaded guilty on two counts — publication of false news and deceiving a public officer, on October 25.

On the first count she was given two years, and six years for deceiving a public officer. The sentences are to be run concurrently.

The Takoradi Circuit Court judge Michael Ampadu, in his ruling said it was necessary to sentence the accused to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to engage in such deceitful practices.

He also considered the fact that the accused was a first time offender and had a child. Custody of the child has however been given to the Godfather whom the accused tried extorting money from.

The accused is also noted to have cooperated with police investigations, to the extent of reporting herself to the Takoradi Police Station, thus the consideration.

Background

The convict was arrested together with Susana Awortwe, aged 27 and Francis Eshun, aged 27 on October 25.

According to police report, the suspect, Joana Krah, conspired with the two others to orchestrate her kidnap on Friday, October 22, 2021.

Thereafter, a call was placed to the adopted father of Ms Krah to demand for the ransom of GH₵5,000.

However, the suspect showed up on Saturday to declare that she was only being playful with the kidnapping accident.

“When Joana became aware that her adopted father had reported to the Police and an extensive search had commenced to find her, she showed up at the Takoradi central police station, Saturday, October 23, to confess of only joking with her father that she was kidnapped,” the police said.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Susana Awortwe, and Francis Eshun, who together with Ms Krah.

Her other two accomplices have also been granted a police enquiry bail following a confession from the lead suspect that they were involved in the issue.

In light of happenings, the police cautioned the public to desist from the act of faking kidnapping for monetary gains, noting that such an act is criminal.

The police has emphasised that, “such perpetuators will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the State.”