A tragic case of vehicle theft turned murder has concluded with the High Court in Accra sentencing Otis Kwadwo Antwi to life imprisonment for the brutal killing of Emmanuel Okai, a 35-year-old auto sprayer. The case, which began in 2015, reveals a disturbing sequence of events surrounding a Toyota RAV 4 vehicle transaction.
The incident unfolded when Okai, who worked as an auto sprayer and car dealer, arranged to show a Toyota RAV 4 vehicle to potential buyers in Takoradi. Antwi had approached Okai about finding a RAV 4 for supposed white customers. After obtaining the vehicle from its owner, Okai traveled to Takoradi with another person. This would be the last time anyone saw him alive.
The investigation revealed that Okai’s body was discovered between Awunakrom and Mporhor, bearing severe injuries including a large wound on his right side and evidence of being dragged along the road. The stolen RAV 4 was later traced to Foster Adjei, who had purchased it from Joseph Osei for GH₵74,000. Osei, in turn, had bought the vehicle from Antwi for GH₵50,000.
During the trial, Principal State Attorney Mrs. Sefakor Batse presented compelling evidence through seven witnesses. The prosecution successfully demonstrated that the injuries inflicted on Okai were intentional and meant to cause death. Despite the defense’s attempts to challenge the evidence as circumstantial, a seven-member jury unanimously found Antwi guilty.
Justice El-Freda Dankyi, presiding over the case, delivered the life sentence following the jury’s verdict. The case highlights the severe consequences of vehicle-related crimes and serves as a reminder of the justice system’s role in addressing violent crimes in Ghana.
He should have been sentenced to death, not imprisonment.