51-year-old sentenced 13 years for possession of cannabis

A 51-year-old bartender, Robert Ashong—popularly known as Tee Quaye—has been handed a 13-year prison sentence by the Accra Circuit Court after being found guilty of possessing multiple quantities of cannabis.

The court, presided over by Judge Christina Cann, convicted Ashong on two counts of unlawful possession of narcotic substances. In addition to the custodial sentence, he was fined GH¢180,000 on each count. Failure to pay the fines will attract an additional three-year sentence per count. However, the court ruled that the jail terms would run concurrently.

Ashong was apprehended on August 31, 2022, at his drinking bar, “Otanfo Nye Nyame,” located in Osu-Nyaniba Estates, following an intelligence-led operation by officers from the Drug Law Enforcement Unit of the CID Headquarters.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kofi Anane, who prosecuted the case, told the court that the arrest was made at about 12:45 p.m., during which police discovered various suspicious items. A search of the premises and Ashong’s room led to the seizure of several containers, plastic bags, and a gallon, all containing substances believed to be cannabis. Some of the alcoholic beverages found were also suspected to have been infused with narcotic drugs.

In his cautioned statement, Ashong admitted to the crime and identified a certain Charles from Keta in the Volta Region as his supplier. Despite this, he was unable to assist law enforcement in tracing or apprehending Charles.

All the seized items were forwarded to the Police Forensic Science Laboratory, which confirmed on January 6, 2023, that the substances were indeed cannabis.

The conviction comes amid growing efforts by Ghanaian law enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal drug distribution networks across the country. Authorities hope the ruling serves as a stern warning to others involved in the illicit narcotics trade.