CJ nominee defends 70-year jail term for notorious robber Ataa Ayi

Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has justified the 70-year prison term he imposed on infamous armed robber Ayi Ayeetey, popularly known as Ataa Ayi, describing it as a necessary decision made within judicial discretion.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie recalled the case from his “youthful days,” explaining that while sentencing guidelines exist, judges sometimes must go beyond them in the interest of justice and public safety.

“The judges and magistrates are trained and have sentencing guidelines,” he stated. “But occasionally, circumstances require us to act beyond them. In my youthful days, I gave someone 70 years—Ataa Ayi.”

The Supreme Court justice explained that the unusually harsh sentence was guided by both the severity of the crimes and the broader need to protect society.

“I told myself that if Atta Ayi was given 30 years and returned, my family might be his first target. So I made it 70 years—by then, I’ll be dead and gone,” he said, drawing laughter from those present.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie underscored that judicial discretion is essential to maintaining public confidence, noting that sentencing is not just about punishment but also deterrence and protection of potential victims.

Ataa Ayi, once described by police as Ghana’s most wanted criminal, was the subject of a nationwide manhunt that became one of the most expensive in the country’s history. Police erected billboards with his image in five regions as they searched for him.

He was eventually captured in Teshie Tsui Bleo, a suburb of Accra, along with his girlfriend, who was suspected of aiding his criminal activities.

His deputy, Emmanuel Tetteh—alias Mpata—was also arrested, and information from him reportedly led to Ataa Ayi’s arrest.

Before his conviction in 2005, Ataa Ayi and his gang had terrorized residents in Accra, robbing victims at gunpoint of money, cars, jewellery, and other valuables, and shooting several who resisted. The case remains one of Ghana’s most infamous criminal sagas.

The Chief Justice nominee also proposed alternatives to Ghana’s sentencing regime, which has led to congestion in the country’s prison system. He said community service was an effective option judges could explore during sentencing, as it could also serve as a deterrent to the larger community.