Justice delivered in ‘Jirapa Dubai’ murder: Court hands life sentence to Eric Johnson’s killer

The Principal State Attorney for the Upper West Region, Abdul Shakur Saeed, has expressed satisfaction with the High Court’s ruling that sentenced Elisha Mahama to life imprisonment for the murder of Eric Johnson, the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, popularly known as “Jirapa Dubai.”

Speaking after the verdict on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, Mr Saeed described the judgment as “fair, thorough, and just,” commending the judiciary for its diligence and professionalism throughout the protracted 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 remarked.

The court convicted Mahama after forensic evidence conclusively tied him to the crime scene—traces of bloodstained footprints and fingerprints were found in the pool of blood where the deceased lay.

Two other accused persons, Belinda Miller and Kweku Kankumbata, were acquitted and discharged due to insufficient evidence.

Mr Saeed emphasised that the prosecution’s case was grounded in strong scientific proof. “The evidence spoke clearly—he was the one who killed Eric Johnson,” he said, adding that the verdict underscored the value of forensic investigation in modern criminal justice.

On a potential appeal, the Principal State Attorney expressed confidence that the conviction would stand. “If the defence opts to appeal, we are ready. The Appeals Court is also our playground, and we believe this impeccable decision cannot be overturned,” he stated.

He further commended the court for acquitting the second and third accused, noting that it demonstrated judicial impartiality. “It gladdens every lawyer when justice is dispensed fairly. Nobody is happy about Eric Johnson’s death, but every accused person deserves a fair trial,” he observed.

Mr Saeed also dismissed media reports suggesting that he broke down in court, clarifying: “Some reports claimed I wept or asked for clemency—that’s false. My voice changed out of emotion, but I did not cry.”

Having practised law for 17 years, Mr Saeed described the case as one of the most emotionally demanding of his career.

The court directed that Mahama serve his life sentence at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison in the Central Region.

Eric Johnson’s killing in his Jirapa residence in January 2024 sent shockwaves through the Upper West Region and the country. He was widely admired for his investment in tourism and job creation through his luxury resort—“Jirapa Dubai”—a beacon of hospitality in northern Ghana.

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