Man gets 120 months imprisonment for arson at Antoakrom
By: David Afum, Bekwai | Published: October 13, 2026
The Bekwai Circuit Court has sentenced a man to 10 years imprisonment in hard labour for burning a couple’s room and destroying property worth over GH¢315,000.
The court, presided over by His Honour Isaac Apietu, found the accused guilty of causing unlawful damage contrary to Section 172(1)(b) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
How it happened
The court heard that the complainant left his room and returned about 20 minutes later to find it engulfed in flames.
In an attempt to salvage his belongings, he rushed to the window, only to discover that the window had been cut with a machete.
According to the prosecution, a bottle containing traces of petrol was found in the room after the Ghana National Fire Service and neighbours managed to put out the fire.
GH¢315,000 Lost
The fire destroyed:
– Personal belongings valued at GH¢300,000
– Cash of GH¢15,000
– Total loss – GH¢315,000
Arrest
The complainant, with the help of some commercial motor riders (Okada), pursued and arrested the accused while he was returning to Antoakrom. He was handed over to the police.
He was arrested without warrant on August 30, 2026, and charged accordingly. He pleaded guilty with an explanation.
The Ghana National Fire Service was called to assess the scene, but its full findings were pending at the time of the police report.
