Yaw Asante Agyekum Acquitted After 20 Years in Jail for Alleged Robbery with Ataa Ayi

Yaw Asante Agyekum was a hardworking auto mechanic based in Krowor in the Greater Accra Region. He was respected in his community for his skill, discipline, and dedication to his work and family. His life, however, took a drastic turn in 2002 just one month after the birth of his daughter.

The Arrest: Church Service Interrupted

Yaw's arrest came in the most shocking of circumstances. On a Sunday morning, while attending church service in Kwahu, he was suddenly picked up by police officers. Alongside him, his sister and aunty were also arrested. Authorities suspected him of being an accomplice to Ataa Ayi, Ghana’s most infamous armed robber at the time.

His sister and aunty were detained for six months, despite no evidence linking them to any crime. Yaw, however, faced the harshest fate of all.

Eight Years on Remand

After his arrest, Yaw was held in remand custody for 8 years without trial a clear violation of his constitutional rights. During this time, he was denied bail and proper legal support. The delay was due to procedural failures and lack of evidence, yet he remained behind bars.

Conviction and Sentencing

Eventually, Yaw was convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery and sentenced to 30 years in prison this came after already enduring 8 years on remand. The court proceedings, critics say, were marred by inconsistencies and weak associations to Ataa Ayi, with no concrete proof that Yaw participated in any robbery.

Despite always maintaining his innocence, Yaw began his formal prison sentence at Nsawam Medium Security Prison.

Life in Prison

Yaw spent a total of 20 years in prison, including the 8 years on remand. He missed the entire childhood of his daughter and lost his workshop at Krowor, which had once been his livelihood. The years behind bars were emotionally devastating, but Yaw remained hopeful that truth would one day prevail.

Court of Appeal Victory

In 2025, a legal review by the Court of Appeal brought long-awaited justice. After examining the case and its failures, the court acquitted and discharged Yaw Asante Agyekum. He walked out of prison a free man, finally vindicated after two decades of wrongful incarceration.

“My daughter was just a month old when I went to jail. I feel happy to finally be free. I’ve lost a lot, but I’m grateful to be alive to tell my story,” Yaw said after his release.

National Reactions and the Call for Justice Reform

Yaw’s case has reignited debate about wrongful convictions, remand abuse, and delays in Ghana’s legal system. Human rights activists have called for compensation, legal reform, and better oversight to prevent future injustices.

Life After Prison

Today, Yaw is rebuilding his life and reconnecting with his family. He hopes to return to his passion repairing cars  and perhaps restart a new workshop. His dream is to use his experience to advocate for others facing similar injustices.