Court Sentences Killer of Jirapa Dubai CEO to Life Imprisonment

The Wa High Court has sentenced Elisha Mahama Akpanichie, 33, to life imprisonment for the murder of Mr. Eric Johnson, the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, popularly known as Jirapa Dubai, in the Upper West Region.

According to a statement issued by the Upper West Regional Police Command, the sentencing took place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

The verdict brings closure to a high-profile case that shocked the nation in February 2024, when Mr. Johnson was found brutally murdered at his hotel in Jirapa.

Following the incident, the police launched an intelligence-led operation that led to Akpanichie’s arrest in the Central Region.

After months of investigation and trial presided over by His Lordship Justice Alhaji Yussif Assibey, the court found the accused guilty of murder and sentenced him to life imprisonment to be served at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison.

The court, however, acquitted and discharged two other accused persons, Belinda Miller and Kweku Kumbata, who were also standing trial in connection with the case.

The Upper West Regional Police Command commended investigators, prosecutors, witnesses, and members of the public whose support contributed to the successful prosecution.

In the statement signed by ACP Francis Yiribaare, the Regional Police Commander reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all victims of crime in the region.