The Wa High Court has sentenced Elisha (Elyasah) Mahama, a former Human Resource Officer of the Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, popularly known as Jirapa Dubai, to life imprisonment for the murder of the hotel’s Chief Executive Officer, Eric Johnson.
The verdict, delivered on Wednesday , October 15, 2025, followed a unanimous 7-0 decision by the jury, bringing an end to one of Ghana’s most high-profile murder trials in recent years.
Mahama was found guilty of masterminding the brutal killing of his former employer, who was discovered dead at his residence in Jirapa on February 11, 2024, just three days after sacking the convict from his position at the hotel.
Background of the Case
The murder of Eric Johnson, the respected entrepreneur behind Jirapa Dubai, sent shockwaves across the Upper West Region. The businessman was found lying in a pool of blood at his home, with multiple stab wounds and a towel around his waist, suggesting he was attacked moments after taking his bath.
Investigations revealed that the assailants gained access to the property by climbing over the wall with a ladder and using a master card to unlock the door. The victim’s car was later found abandoned in town.
Arrest and Trial
Following the murder, police traced Mahama to a hideout in Takoradi, where he was arrested and airlifted to Wa for interrogation. His arrest brought the total number of suspects linked to the case to eight.
Earlier investigations had led to the arrest of Dookuuri Fausta, Braimah Kasim, Beyuo Felix, Michael Klugey, Kumbata Kwaku, Charles Tuoze, and Favour Nuobe, some of whom were later granted bail while others remained in custody.
Prosecutors argued that Mahama’s dismissal from the company three days before the murder served as motive for the crime. The court found overwhelming evidence linking him to the planning and execution of the attack.
Verdict
Delivering the judgment, the presiding judge commended the police and prosecutors for their diligent work in unraveling the case. The jury’s unanimous 7-0 decision sealed Mahama’s fate, affirming the prosecution’s case beyond reasonable doubt.
Mahama’s sentencing has been welcomed by residents of Wa and Jirapa, many of whom had followed the case closely for more than a year, demanding justice for the late entrepreneur.
Closure
The ruling brings closure to a tragic chapter that had shaken both the local hospitality industry and the wider business community.
Eric Johnson’s vision for developing Jirapa into a tourism hub had inspired many, and his death was widely mourned across Ghana.
For now, justice appears to have been served — but the case remains a stark reminder of how betrayal, greed, and revenge can shatter lives and legacies.
