According to a report from ModernGhana. After nearly two decades behind bars without trial, a Ghanaian man, Jaba Donle, has finally regained his freedom, thanks to the tireless efforts of Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ASP) Majid Alhassan and the leadership of the Wa Central Prisons.
Donle, now 54, was arrested in 2007 for allegedly killing his younger brother during a period of mental instability. He was placed under Presidential Pleasure (PP), a sentence that left him in limbo, with no trial date in sight.
Despite regaining his mental stability, Donle remained in prison, forgotten by the system. However, his luck changed when ASP Alhassan took up his case, with the support of the Upper West Regional Prisons Commander, ADP James B. Mwinyelle.
ASP Alhassan worked closely with legal professionals, including the Legal Aid Scheme, to advocate for Donle’s release. Lawyer Crispin Ziekah, head of Legal Aid in the Upper West Region, filed the necessary applications to get Donle’s matter heard.
The case eventually caught the attention of Wa High Court Judge, His Lordship Justice Alhaji Yussif Asabey, who was shocked by Donle’s ordeal and ordered further investigation.
Tragically, Donle’s family had given up hope, and his two wives had remarried and passed away during his incarceration. Two of his five children had also died, leaving behind three surviving children, the eldest of whom was only five years old when Donle was arrested.
After 17 long years, Donle was finally acquitted and discharged on October 17, 2024. However, his journey is far from over. ASP Alhassan is now focused on helping Donle reintegrate into society.
During his time in prison, Donle learned the skill of weaving, but his deteriorating vision now makes it difficult for him to continue this trade. ASP Alhassan has proposed setting up a mini provision store for Donle, which would provide him with a means to sustain himself and minimize the independence to take care of his basic needs.
“My dream is to see him established in his community, able to cater for his livelihood without depending on someone,” ASP Alhassan said.
Source: m.dailyadvent.com
