Ex-Footballer in Abesim murder case jailed for life

A High Court in Accra has sentenced Richard Appiah to life imprisonment for the killing of two children in a case that shocked Ghana in 2021.

The decision followed a unanimous verdict by a seven-member jury, which found the former footballer guilty of murder after deliberations concluded.

The trial, presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, centred on the deaths of Louis Agyemang Jr., 12, and Stephen Sarpong, 15, at Abesim in the Bono Region.

Evidence presented in court showed that the boys’ bodies were discovered inside the accused’s home. One was found in a room, while the other had been kept in a refrigerator.

Medical testimony indicated that one victim died from strangulation, while the other suffered fatal blood loss.

During the trial, Appiah admitted responsibility for the deaths but argued that he was mentally unwell at the time. His lawyers told the court he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and could not appreciate the nature of his actions.

The court heard that he had previously been declared unfit to stand trial before later being assessed as capable of facing proceedings.

Prosecutors rejected the defence, arguing that his conduct after the killings showed intent. They said he attempted to conceal the bodies and mislead investigators by participating in search efforts.

The prosecution called five witnesses, while the accused gave evidence himself and also called his father to testify.

The jury ultimately accepted the prosecution’s case, leading to a conviction and a life sentence.