The Accra Circuit Court 10 has sentenced Emmanuel Lewis Ebuka to 25 months' imprisonment with hard labour for setting fire to vehicles at a mechanic shop, resulting in the destruction of three cars. The incident occurred at Teshie Fertilizer in July 2025, and the vehicles were valued at GHC195,000. Ebuka, who denied causing the damage, was tried and convicted on three counts of unlawful damage.
According to Police Chief Inspector Clement Takyi, the complainant, Mr Joshua Nii Kuntso Alabi, is an auto mechanic who lives at Nungua in Accra. Ebuka, an unemployed man with no fixed place of abode, was seen sleeping in one of the vehicles parked at the complainant's workshop. The workers at the shop ordered him to leave and warned him not to return.
On August 8, 2025, at about midnight, Ebuka returned to the workshop, entered a Chrysler Voyager, and smoked inside the vehicle. After smoking, he allegedly threw the cigarette butt into the vehicle, causing it to catch fire. The prosecution said Ebuka fled the scene after noticing that someone had seen him.
The fire subsequently spread to other vehicles at the workshop, including a Ford Ranger pickup and a Toyota 4Runner, and a Toyota Tacoma pickup. The complainant and his workers attempted to extinguish the blaze before personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service arrived. The Chrysler Voyager, Ford Ranger pickup, and Toyota 4Runner were completely destroyed by the fire.
The three vehicles destroyed were valued at GHC75,000, GHC40,000, and GHC80,000, respectively, bringing the total loss to GHC195,000. The court heard that Ebuka was later arrested and admitted the offence in his caution statement. Following investigations, he was charged and brought before the court.
The court sentenced Ebuka to 25 months' imprisonment with hard labour on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently. The sentence was handed down after the court found Ebuka culpable of the three counts of unlawful damage. Ebuka's actions were considered a serious offence, and the court reflected this in its sentencing.
The case highlights the issue of vandalism and destruction of property in Ghana. The Ghana Police Service and the judicial system have demonstrated their commitment to addressing such incidents and ensuring that perpetrators face the consequences of their actions.
Key points
- A 35-year-old man was sentenced to 25 months in prison for setting fire to three vehicles at a mechanic shop in Accra, Ghana.
- The vehicles destroyed were valued at GHC195,000, and the incident occurred at Teshie Fertilizer in July 2025.
- The court found Ebuka culpable of three counts of unlawful damage and sentenced him to 25 months' imprisonment with hard labour on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently.
