Stop pampering juvenile thieves - Judge advises colleagues

A judge, has questioned the morality behind the demand that a 16-year old female robbery suspect be prosecuted in a juvenile court.

According the judge, it was about time the judiciary stopped pampering minors who commit horrendous crimes such as robbery.

“Juvenile related crimes are increasing and they must cease. If we keep on pampering them like this are we helping them to grow?” he questioned rhetorically.

Ernestina Amponsah, 16, was a member of a gang of four females who were arrested on March 9, 2016 for allegedly robbing a taxi driver at Oforikrom in Kumasi.

The court, presided over by Mr. Ekwow Mensah, was angry with the request by Mrs Mary Margaret Agyei Twum, a lawyer, at the court at that time proceedings that, since Ernestina was a minor, she should be tried separately in a Juvenile court.

“Thank Gold she was not the one who pulled the knife,” she said.

The judge, remanded the three into prison custody. Their plea was not taken.

However, he granted bail of GHC10,000.00 to Ernestina with two sureties to appear again before the court on April 8, 2016.

Meanwhile, the prosecution suggested referring the matter to the Attorney-General’s department for perusal and advice.

Presenting the facts of the case, the prosecutor, Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Akonnor said, Ernestina, together with Abena Asantewaa, 26, Mavis Darkoa, 24, and Sally Sarfo, 22, in the evening of March 9, asked Kwadwo Obeng, a taxi driver with registration number, AW-6005-12, to send them to Anloga Junction.