The Principal State Attorney for the Upper West Region, Abdul Shakur Saeed, has hailed the High Court’s decision to sentence Elisha Mahama to life imprisonment for the murder of Eric Johnson, the CEO of Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, popularly known as “Jirapa Dubai.”
Speaking after the verdict on Wednesday, October 15, Mr. Saeed described the ruling as “fair, thorough, and just,” commending the court for its professionalism and dedication throughout the months-long 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 stated.
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The court found Mahama guilty based on compelling forensic evidence, including bloodstained footprints and fingerprints matching the accused, discovered at the crime scene. Two other suspects, Belinda Miller and Kweku Kankumbata, were acquitted and discharged for lack of evidence.
Mr. Saeed said the conviction was secured on the strength of irrefutable forensic proof, adding, “The evidence spoke clearly—he was the one who killed Eric Johnson.”
On the possibility of an appeal, the State Attorney expressed confidence in the verdict, asserting, “If the defense chooses to appeal, we are ready. The Appeals Court is also our playground, and this impeccable decision will stand.”
He also applauded the court for acquitting the other accused persons, describing it as a testament to the judiciary’s impartiality.
“It’s the happiness of every lawyer when justice is done fairly. Nobody is happy about Eric Johnson’s death, but everyone deserves a fair trial,” he said.
Mr. Saeed dismissed media claims that he broke down in court, clarifying, “Some reports said I cried or asked for clemency — that’s false. My voice changed out of emotion, but I did not cry.”
With 17 years of experience at the Bar, Mr. Saeed described the case as one of the most significant and emotionally demanding of his career.
The court ordered that Mahama serve his life sentence at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison in the Central Region.
The murder of Eric Johnson in his Jirapa residence in January 2024 shocked the nation. The late hotelier was widely respected for his contribution to tourism and job creation through his luxury resort, affectionately known as “Jirapa Dubai.”
Story BY: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem