The Principal State Attorney for the Upper West Region, Abdul Shakur Saeed, has welcomed the High Court’s decision to sentence Elisha Mahama to life imprisonment for the murder of Eric Johnson, CEO of Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, also known as “Jirapa Dubai.”
Speaking after the verdict on Wednesday, October 15, Mr. Saeed described the judgment as “fair, thorough, and just,” commending the judiciary for its professionalism and commitment throughout the months-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.
The court found Mahama guilty of murder after forensic evidence linked him directly to the crime scene, including bloodstained footprints and fingerprints discovered in the pool of blood where the deceased was found. Two others, Belinda Miller and Kweku Kankumbata, were acquitted and discharged for lack of evidence.
Mr. Saeed said the prosecution’s case was solid, noting that the conviction was secured on the strength of clear forensic findings.
“The evidence spoke clearly—he was the one who killed Eric Johnson,” he emphasised.
On the possibility of an appeal, the State Attorney expressed confidence in the judgment.
“If the defense chooses to appeal, we are ready. The Appeals Court is also our playground, and we are certain this impeccable decision cannot be overturned,” he declared.
Mr. Saeed also praised the court for acquitting the second and third accused persons, describing it as proof of the judiciary’s fairness.
“It’s the happiness of every lawyer when justice is done fairly. Nobody is happy about Eric Johnson’s death, but everyone deserves a fair trial,” he said.
He further dismissed reports suggesting he broke down in court.
“Some reports claimed I wept or asked for clemency—that’s false. My voice changed out of emotion, but I did not cry,” he clarified.
Mr. Saeed, who has been at the Bar for 17 years, said the case ranks among the most significant of his career, noting the emotional toll it took on the prosecution team.
The court ordered that Mahama serve his sentence at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison in the Central Region.
The killing of Eric Johnson in his Jirapa residence in January 2024 shocked the Upper West Region and the nation. The late CEO was widely admired for his contributions to tourism and job creation through his luxury resort, popularly known as “Jirapa Dubai.”
….
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital