A shocking twist in Accra: Two men sentenced to 17 years each for staging a robbery armed with nothing more than a pair of scissors. Yes, you read that right — scissors. But here's where it gets controversial: how such seemingly small tools can still lead to such life-changing consequences.
The Amasaman Circuit Court in Accra handed down the lengthy sentences after finding 28-year-old Lawrence Fumato, also known as Rasta, and 20-year-old Daniel Dzoka, nicknamed Alkaline, guilty of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery. The ruling was delivered under Sections 23(1) and 149 of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which classifies robbery with or without firearms as a serious felony offense.
According to court documents, the two men carried out the attack on November 12, 2025, at Agbazo, a quiet area near the Golden Exotic Farm. Their victims were allegedly threatened with scissors before the robbers made away with several valuables: a Royal 150 motorbike, a Samsung smartphone, a Tecno Spark 8 phone, an itel keypad phone, and a cash amount of GH¢4,000. The entire community was left shaken by how swiftly the crime took place.
Police intelligence played a swift and decisive role. Acting on a tip-off, authorities tracked down and arrested the suspects just five days later, on November 17, 2025, right in the same locality where the crime occurred. The suspects were brought before the Amasaman Circuit Court on November 27, where both pleaded guilty without hesitation.
In response, the court imposed a 17-year prison term on each man — a sentence that some might see as tough but necessary to send a message about violent robberies, no matter the weapon used. Others, however, might ask: Does a 17-year sentence fit a crime involving scissors rather than guns or knives? That’s where opinions start to divide.
A police statement issued on November 29 applauded residents of Agbazo for their cooperation and quick reporting of suspicious activity. Authorities also reminded the public to stay vigilant and report any crimes or suspicious movements through emergency hotlines 18555 and 191.
This case raises deeper questions about justice and deterrence. Should punishment depend more on the weapon or the intent behind the crime? What do you think — does the sentence seem fair, or could rehabilitation have been a better option? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.
