Preacher gets 5-year sentence for wrecking MPs’ cars

An Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Samuel Bright Acquah, has sentenced 33-year-old preacher Christopher Kofi Okyere Sorkpa to five years in prison for vandalizing vehicles belonging to Members of Parliament.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at the Parliament House premises.

In court on Friday, December 20, Sorkpa pleaded guilty to all six charges against him, which led to his conviction. However, his co-accused, Wisdom Ahli, remains in custody as the evidence was insufficient to link him to the offences at this time.

During the proceedings, Superintendent Yirenkyi, representing the prosecution, explained that a detailed review of the evidence showed mistakes in the charges against Ahli.

He directed a CID officer to amend the charges to ensure they are appropriately addressed during the next hearing on 9 January 2025. The court adjourned the case for further deliberations regarding the second accused.

The prosecution revealed that the complainants, Inspector AduYeboah and L/Cpl. Aaron Awuah, are police officers stationed at Parliament House. Both accused individuals, Sorkpa and Ahli, claim to be preachers and reside in Kasoa.

Prior to the sentencing, on December18, around 11:00 a.m., the duo reportedly entered the Parliament House car park.

Sorkpa, armed with a handbag containing an earth chisel, vandalized the windscreens of several vehicles, including a Toyota V8 owned by Kwaku Okyere Agyekum, another Toyota V8 owned by Eugene Boakye Antwi, a Toyota Camry Saloon owned by Jessica Mensah, a second Toyota Camry Saloon owned by SenaAtsu, and a Toyota Rav 4 owned by Gifty Gbah.

Eyewitnesses testified that Ahli praised Sorkpa as he carried out the acts of vandalism. Police officers arrested both men, who later confessed to their crimes in the presence of an independent witness.

After a thorough investigation, the police formally charged the accused and presented them before the court.

While Sorkpa faces his prison sentence, the court will focus on addressing the charges against Ahli in upcoming hearings.