Daniel Asiedu, the man accused of killing Joseph Boakye Danquah Adu, the late Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa North in Ghana, insists that the family of the late MP knows more about his death than he does. Asiedu, who has been in custody facing trial for the alleged murder, made this declaration during his recent appearance in the High Court in Accra. Addressing the seven-member jury and Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, Asiedu emphatically stated that he is innocent, claiming that influential people have conspired to implicate him.
Asiedu argued that the prosecution's assertions and the police investigations are unfounded. He questioned why the late MP’s wife, mother, and children—who were present in the house on the night of February 8, 2016, when the incident occurred—were not called to testify. Asiedu stressed that none of the family members claimed to have seen him at the scene of the crime, which he believes is crucial evidence of his innocence.
In his testimony, Asiedu argued, “I have maintained my innocence throughout, and what the police have said in this court is false. If I had actually been at the residence on that day, someone in the family would have recognized me. But none of them saw me there, which is why none of them were brought here to testify.”
Asiedu, addressing the court further, denied ever meeting or even seeing JB Danquah in person, aside from the photograph shown to him by the police. He pointed out that he would have no reason to harm the MP, as he had no personal grievances against him or any other individual.
Asiedu voiced his skepticism regarding the evidence presented by the police, especially claims that his fingerprints and footprints were found at the late MP's residence. “Madam Justice, I have never set foot in JB Danquah’s house,” he said. “The idea that my prints were there is untrue.”
He also denied the accusation that he used a knife to fatally stab the MP. Asiedu maintained, “The story about me stabbing him with a knife is fabricated. I have never been involved in anything of the sort.”
In his statement, Asiedu explained an instance involving a woman he met—a sex worker—who he claimed was used to further frame him. He recounted that he went to the police station to report a theft incident involving this woman but was later accused of having a relationship with her. “I never met or had a relationship with that woman,” he insisted. “If the claim was true, she would have been summoned to testify, but because it’s a lie, she was never brought before the court.”
During the hearing, Asiedu clarified his nickname, stating that “Sexy Don Don” is not an alias he chose but one given to him by George Akuffo Dampare, the current Inspector General of Police and former Greater Accra Regional Police Commander. He asserted that his real nickname is “Gucci Young Star,” a name he used throughout his life and education. He said he has no connection to the alias “Sexy Don Don” and does not bear any tattoos with that name, unlike his chosen nickname.
Asiedu further argued that prominent figures have conspired to implicate him in the murder of JB Danquah, saying, “This whole story has been fabricated by certain influential people to frame me.” According to Asiedu, some of these individuals acted with “cohorts” who manipulated the evidence against him.
Asiedu also pointed out that no credible witness has testified to seeing him in the MP’s residence on the night of the murder. He highlighted that police investigator Augustus Nkrumah’s testimony, claiming that officers were present at the scene, did not yield any witnesses who could identify him. “Even the police officers who allegedly arrived at the house did not testify in court to support their claims,” he pointed out.
Responding to accusations from the prosecution that he single-handedly committed the crime, Asiedu denied any involvement. He reiterated that no member of the late MP's family, who were in the house on the night of the incident, testified to seeing him. “The wife, her mother, and the children didn’t see me, and this is why they were not called as witnesses,” he argued.
In a dramatic end to his testimony, Asiedu emphatically told the court that all the charges against him are false. He stated, “I, Daniel Asiedu, have no animosity toward anyone, and I have never harmed anyone in my life. All accusations brought against me are completely untrue.” He further explained that after the murder, he learned that the late MP's wife had information about those who allegedly targeted her husband but was denied the opportunity to testify. He believes that “certain powerful individuals” suppressed this information to implicate him.
“Looking at the photograph that was shown to me, it’s clear that I had no connection to him. I have no knowledge of his death, and I had no reason to harm him,” Asiedu maintained.
Asiedu, who concluded his testimony by asserting his innocence, stated that he would not be calling any witnesses in his defense. He believes that the evidence presented is enough to clear his name and hopes that the jury will recognize the inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
The court, presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, has scheduled the next hearing for November 14, 2024, where Asiedu will continue to face cross-examination from the prosecution. EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, reported that Asiedu remains steadfast in his claim that he had no involvement in JB Danquah’s death and that he believes justice will ultimately prevail.
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