Driver jailed 15 years for slashing neighbour's throat over stolen phone

A 25-year-old driver, Stephen Ampofo, also known as Kwabena Atta, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labor by the Tarkwa Circuit Court for stealing from and violently attacking his neighbor, Elisha Makom.

Ampofo, who pleaded guilty to charges of stealing and causing harm, was convicted by Presiding Judge Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu. In addition to the custodial sentence, the court also ordered him to pay GH¢5,000 in compensation to the victim.

According to ASP Joseph Lartey, both men resided in Wassa Dawurampong in the Western Region. On February 28, 2025, Makom, who was recovering from an injury, had boiled water for a massage. Ampofo visited and offered to assist, which Makom welcomed.

After the massage, Makom fell asleep, only to wake up and discover that his Itel mobile phone had vanished. Suspecting Ampofo, he went to his home and found him asleep. A search led to the discovery of the missing phone—though the battery was removed.

Neighbors were alerted and confronted Ampofo, who initially denied any wrongdoing but later apologized and returned home. However, in a disturbing turn of events, Ampofo returned to Makom’s house that same evening and slashed his throat with a cutlass while he was lying down.

Makom’s cries drew the attention of nearby residents, who rushed him to a local health facility. Police later apprehended Ampofo, who confessed to the attack, blaming his actions on the influence of akpeteshie, a locally brewed gin.

Makom survived the brutal attack, and a medical report confirming the injuries was tendered in court as part of the evidence leading to Ampofo’s conviction.