Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has defended the 70-year prison sentence he handed down to the notorious armed robber Ataa Ayi, popularly known as Atta Ayi.
During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie described the case as one from his “youthful days” and explained that the lengthy sentence was intended to protect potential victims, including his own family.
“I gave him 70 years. And what I told myself was that if Atta Ayi was given 30 years and he comes back, my family would be the first he would attack. By the time he comes back after 70 years, I will be dead and gone,” he said.
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Ataa Ayi, described by police as the nation’s most notorious bandit, had a high bounty on his head and was the target of the largest manhunt in Ghana’s history, with billboards featuring his image displayed across five regions.
He was accused of masterminding numerous armed robberies, stealing money, cars, jewellery, and other valuables, and shooting victims who resisted.
Following the nationwide manhunt, Ayi went into hiding, reportedly seeking refuge in several communities, including Chorkor, before finally settling at his elder sister’s house in Nungua.
Police, led by ACP Kofi Boakye, managed to track and arrest some members of his gang after fierce gun battles that left others dead.
Ayi was convicted on multiple counts and jailed in 2005. Now described as a changed man, he has since pleaded with the government to grant him a pardon.
“In my youthful days, I sentenced Ataa Ayi to 70 years. If he had been given 30 and returned, my family would have been his first target. By 70 years, I’ll be gone.” – Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Chief Justice Nominee, undergoing vetting before Parliament.
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