A 63-year-old ex-convict recently shared a harrowing tale of how a simple act of kindness led to his 15-year imprisonment, a period in his life that continues to haunt him to this day. This man, who was once an elder in the Church of Christ, recounted his story in an emotional interview with Angel TV, which has since gone viral on social media.
The ex-convict described how he was driving home from Accra late one night when he saw a woman walking alone. Assuming she was a church member, he offered her a ride in his car. However, he soon realized that she was not who he thought she was. Despite his offer to drop her off, the woman insisted on continuing the journey with him, claiming she had been standing for a long time.
After dropping the woman off at her destination, the man returned home, only to be surprised by a knock on his door a few hours later. It was the same woman he had given a ride to, asking for a place to spend the night before continuing her journey. Out of kindness, he allowed her to stay the night and even offered to drive her to a bus stop the next morning.
Little did he know that this seemingly innocent act of kindness would turn his life upside down. The woman accused him of rape, leading to his arrest and eventual conviction. Despite his profession as a refrigerator repair technician, he found himself behind bars with a 15-year sentence.
Lacking proper legal representation, the man struggled through his time in prison, facing further challenges and accusations even after serving his sentence. His story has sparked conversations online about the dangers of unverified allegations, the importance of legal support, and the risks of helping strangers.
Under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), rape is defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse with a woman who is not the offender’s wife. It is considered a first-degree felony, punishable by a minimum of five years and up to 25 years in prison. The severity of punishment often depends on the strength of the prosecution’s evidence and the quality of legal defense the accused receives.
Despite the availability of legal aid, many individuals, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, still struggle to access effective representation. The ex-convict’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals within the legal system, highlighting the need for fair and just treatment for all.
