Chief Justice nominee Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has detailed the reasoning behind the 70-year prison sentence he handed to Ghana’s notorious armed robber, Ataa Ayi, emphasizing that the ruling was essential to safeguard public safety and uphold justice.
During his appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on November 10, 2025, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie reflected on the case from his earlier years on the bench. He explained that while judges follow sentencing guidelines, there are exceptional circumstances where discretion is required, particularly for high-risk offenders.
The decision to impose 70 years was informed by the severity of Ataa Ayi’s criminal activities and the potential danger he posed to society. The judge considered that a shorter sentence could have exposed communities—and even his own family—to further attacks. He framed the lengthy term as a measure to neutralize the threat permanently.
Ataa Ayi gained notoriety in the late 1990s and early 2000s as the leader of one of Ghana’s most feared armed robbery gangs. His group terrorized Accra and surrounding areas, carrying out robberies at gunpoint, stealing vehicles, cash, jewellery, and other valuables. His criminal spree prompted one of the largest manhunts in Ghanaian history, with police spreading his image across multiple regions.
The gang leader was eventually captured at a hideout in Teshie Tsui Bleo, along with an accomplice. In 2005, he was convicted on multiple counts of armed robbery and sentenced to 70 years in prison. The case marked a significant victory for law enforcement and highlighted the judiciary’s commitment to curbing violent crime.
