52-Year-Old Man Jailed for Machete Attack on Rival

The Accra Circuit Court, presided over by His Honour Kwabena Kodua Obiri-Yeboah, has sentenced a 52-year-old steel bender, Kojo Senagbe, to six months in hard labour after he pleaded guilty to attacking a 62-year-old man with a machete in what prosecutors say was a violent outburst driven by jealousy.

Senagbe, who initially pleaded not guilty to the charge of causing unlawful harm, changed his plea to guilty on June 24, 2025. In addition to the custodial sentence, he has been ordered to pay a fine of 600 penalty units (equivalent to GH¢7,200) or serve an additional six months in default. He must also compensate the victim with GH¢5,000.

The charge, brought under Section 69 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), follows a disturbing assault on May 10, 2025, at Community 14 Annex, Lashibi, in the Greater Accra Region.

Jealousy-Fueled Attack

According to Chief Inspector Belinda Asante, who led the prosecution, the victim, Mr. Oliver Zinto — a 62-year-old retired Togolese ex-serviceman and carpenter — was returning home around 10:30 p.m. when he was ambushed by Senagbe, a neighbor.

Senagbe, lying in wait on a pathway, allegedly ordered Mr. Zinto to stop. When Zinto ignored him and walked on, Senagbe attacked him with a machete, inflicting severe wounds to his scalp, left ear, arm, and back.

Despite the brutal nature of the assault, the victim managed to overpower and disarm his attacker. Bystanders intervened, forcing the accused to flee the scene.

Mr. Zinto was given first aid and later received medical attention after reporting the incident to the Klagon Police. A formal complaint led to the arrest of Senagbe two days later, on May 12.

During police interrogation in the presence of an independent witness, Senagbe confessed to the assault, citing jealousy as his motive. He claimed the victim was “trying to take over” his girlfriend. Police also retrieved the machete used in the attack.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

At his initial appearance before Circuit Court 6 on June 6, 2025, Senagbe denied the charge. However, after hearing the facts of the case and considering the evidence presented, the accused changed his plea to guilty during the June 24 hearing.

The court emphasized the seriousness of the offense, describing the attack as “calculated and unprovoked.” In addition to his prison sentence and fines, Senagbe must also pay compensation to the victim to cover his injuries and trauma.

The judge noted that failure to pay the fine or compensation could result in further custodial time.

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