Palm-wine tapper to hang for murder

Ho, June 9, GNA - A Ho high court presided over by Mr Justice Essel Mensah has sentenced Emmanuel Adzanku, 40-year-old palm wine tapper of Matse Tsipe, to death by hanging for murdering one William Addo also of Matse Tsipe.

A seven-member jury found Adzanku guilty of murder after a trial that lasted for seven years. The prosecution's case was that in April, 2003, one Essau Addo engaged Adzanku to tap palm wine for him.

In the course of the business Addo suspected that Adzanku was diverting some of the palm wine to his (Adzanku's) sister who sold palm wine. It said following his suspicion, Addo asked William to accompany him to Adzanku's sister's house to verify his suspicion during which a quarrel ensued so the two left.

The court was told that on April 21, 2003 Adzanku concealed a machete in an unfurled umbrella and went searching for Addo and William. Adzanku met William at an obscure place and slashed his left arm resulting in his death. Adzanku has three months to appeal.