The Accra High Court has sentenced Richard Appiah to life imprisonment for the gruesome 2021 murder of two young boys in Abesim, Bono Region — a case that shocked the nation and sparked widespread outrage over ritual killings and child safety.
Appiah was found guilty on charges of murder after a full trial. The court heard chilling evidence that he killed the two children (aged 6 and 12) and preserved parts of their bodies in a refrigerator. The discovery of the remains in his home in Abesim in September 2021 triggered massive public protests, heightened fear among parents, and renewed national debate on the prevalence of ritual murders in parts of the country.
The judgment, delivered after careful consideration of the evidence and submissions, brings long-awaited closure to the victims’ families and many Ghanaians who have closely followed the case for over four years.
In pronouncing the sentence, the presiding judge emphasized the heinous and premeditated nature of the crime, describing it as one of the most disturbing cases to come before the court in recent memory. The life term reflects the gravity of the offence and serves as a strong deterrent against similar acts of violence against children.
The ruling has been widely welcomed by child rights organisations, civil society groups, and the public as a clear message that perpetrators of ritual or serial killings will face the full force of the law, no matter how long it takes for justice to be served.
The case also renewed calls for stronger community vigilance, improved police response to missing children cases, and tougher measures against occult-related crimes. Advocacy groups continue to push for better child protection systems and public education to prevent future tragedies.
