Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Vandalising Vehicles at Parliament
A man who wreaked havoc on vehicles parked at the premises of Ghana's Parliament has been handed a five-year prison sentence by an Accra Circuit Court. The court, presided over by Judge Emmanuel Afotey-Addo, described the act as a threat to public safety and a blatant disregard for law and order.
The convict, 29-year-old Kofi Asare, was charged with causing unlawful damage and breach of peace after his brazen attack on December 1, 2024. Asare, who pleaded guilty to the charges, claimed his actions were fueled by frustration over the government’s inability to address youth unemployment.
The Incident
Eyewitness accounts reveal that Asare entered the Parliamentary car park in the early hours of the day and began smashing the windscreens and mirrors of vehicles belonging to Members of Parliament and staff. Security personnel quickly apprehended him after he damaged 12 vehicles. The incident caused a temporary disruption, prompting heightened security at the precincts of Parliament.
Court Proceedings
During the court hearing, the prosecutor, Chief Inspector Rita Kumi, stated that the estimated damage caused by Asare amounted to GH₵150,000. The prosecution presented CCTV footage and statements from witnesses, which were instrumental in securing the conviction.
In his defense, Asare admitted to the offense but appealed for leniency, citing personal struggles. However, Judge Afotey-Addo emphasized that such actions cannot be justified and imposed a five-year custodial sentence to deter others from engaging in similar misconduct.
Reactions
The sentencing has sparked mixed reactions among the public. While some lauded the swift action of the court, others called for more focus on addressing the underlying issues of unemployment and social frustrations that could drive individuals to such extremes.
A spokesperson for Parliament, in a statement, condemned the act and assured the public that measures are being taken to improve security at the premises. “We cannot allow the sanctity of this institution to be violated. Justice has been served, and we hope this sends a strong message,” the statement read.
Way Forward
Security analysts have called on authorities to strengthen surveillance and access control measures around critical state institutions. Meanwhile, civil society groups have urged the government to intensify efforts to tackle unemployment and provide platforms for youth to channel their grievances constructively.
As Kofi Asare begins his five-year sentence, the incident serves as a reminder of the need to strike a balance between enforcing the law and addressing socio-economic challenges to prevent such occurrences in the future.
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