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I Gave Ataa Ayi 70 Years to Protect My Family — Acting Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie
Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has revealed that he once sentenced notorious armed robber Ataa Ayi to 70 years in prison because he feared for his safety and that of his family.
Speaking during his vetting in Parliament on Monday, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie explained that although judges are guided by sentencing principles, they sometimes have to go beyond them in exceptional cases.
He said, “I sentenced Ataa Ayi to 70 years in prison because I feared he would attack me and my family upon his release. You see, there are so many reasons. The magistrates have the sentencing guidelines, but sometimes they have to go beyond that.”
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said that at the time of sentencing, he believed a shorter jail term would have endangered his family after the convict’s release.
“If Ataa Ayi was given 30 years and he comes back, my family would be the first one he would attack. So by the time he comes back after 70 years, I will be dead and gone,” he added.
The Acting Chief Justice also used the occasion to call for reforms in Ghana’s justice system, including the introduction of community service and parole as alternative forms of punishment.
He explained that such measures could help decongest the country’s overcrowded prisons and make offenders face the consequences of their actions in a way that benefits society.
“Punishments are not only for the person being punished but also to deter others,” he said, adding that community service could be assigned around the area where the offence was committed to serve as a lesson to the public.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie further urged lawmakers to consider laws that make community sentences and parole a permanent part of Ghana’s judicial process.
By: Jacob Aggrey
FOR patrons at a special thanksgiving concert held in honour of parishioners, benefactors and friends at the St. Monica Catholic Rectory at Fan Milk, Accra, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo will continue to be seen as a man of many parts.
Usually seen dressed resplendently in his cassock, Rev. Fr. Bonaventure is known by the faithful as a preacher of the word despite his background in music.
But on this auspicious occasion, the Rector, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Kweku Quaidoo, assumed the role of a conductor of the Central Ceremonial Band of the Ghana Police Service.
In front of the band wielding the conductor’s baton, Rev. Fr Bonaventure conducted the band as they gave a rendition of some of the spiritual hymns of the faithful, thrilling the audience in the event under the theme “An Evening of the Performing Arts in Thanksgiving to Beloved Parishioners, Benefactors and Friends.”
It was attended by the clergy, parishioners and invited guests for an evening that blended sacred reflection with artistic performance.
The Chaplain-General of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Very Rev. Fr George Arthur, opened the programme with prayer, while the closing benediction was given by Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Ebo Blay, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Society.
A highlight of the evening was a classical performance by Dr Kyoung Ok Kim of the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts, who reinterpreted Ghanaian melodies to the delight of the audience.
Ordained in 1990, Rev. Fr Quaidoo is a trained musician and former member of the National Symphony Orchestra. Over the past 35 years, he has served in the dioceses of Tamale, Damongo and Accra, integrating music into his pastoral ministry.
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THE 41st Farmers’ Day was held last Friday in the Volta Region, honouring outstanding farmers that contributed immensely in the sustenance of the country’s food basket.
This year’s celebration was themed “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future”, reflecting the government’s emphasis on strengthening food systems, promoting local consumption, and building long-term resilience in the agricultural sector.
It was attended by the President, John Dramani Mahama, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Ernest Opoku, Regional Ministers and Paramount Chief of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV.
The week-long observance began on December 1, at the Ho Sports Stadium with the official opening of the 2025 National Agricultural Fair.
An 82 year-old farmer, Mr Opanin Abraham Kwaku Adusei from Kwawu Odumase in the Afram Plains District of the Eastern Region, was adjudged the 2025 National Best Farmer.
President Mahama commended the farmers for their dedication and pivotal role in advancing the country’s agricultural sector.
The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, also attributed the current food glut to innovation and resilience of farmers.
Established in 1985, Farmers’ Day has grown into one of Ghana’s most significant national events—celebrating the enduring contributions of farmers and fishers to the nation’s development and economic stability.
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