The Paramount Chief of the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area in the Eastern Region, Nene Oklepeme Nuer Anorbah Sasraku, was on Monday, May 12, 2025, convicted and sentenced to four days in prison by the Koforidua High Court for contempt of court. However, the process of transferring him to prison was marred by controversy and confusion.

Presiding Judge Her Ladyship Jennifer Myers Ahmed also directed the Chief to sign a six-month bond of good behaviour following his failure to appear in court to answer contempt charges.

His repeated absences prompted the issuance of a bench warrant, which ultimately led to his arrest and appearance in court.

Following the court's decision, the convicted chief was placed in the custody of Corporal Albert Sitso Annan, who was tasked with escorting him to the Koforidua Central Prisons.

But prison authorities say the chief never officially arrived at the facility.

According to Ezekiel Korletey, Public Relations Officer for the Koforidua Prisons, the chief and the police escort showed up at the prison around 6:45 p.m.—nearly ten hours after the court handed down its ruling.

By that time, the chief reportedly appeared ill, with visible medical cannulas on his wrists, indicating he had been undergoing treatment.

Due to his condition, prison officials declined to admit him and directed that he be taken to a government hospital to undergo a medical fitness assessment before returning the following day.

However, the officer and the convict never returned.

Following pressure from the complainants’ legal team, led by lawyer Denis Yao Terkpertey, and direct intervention from the Eastern Regional Police Commander, the chief was later discovered receiving treatment at the CDC Hospital in Betom, a suburb of Koforidua.

In an interview, Mr. Terkpertey detailed the events that led to the chief’s conviction and expressed concern over what he described as deliberate efforts to obstruct justice.

He criticised the delay and the handling of the convict’s transfer to prison, questioning the integrity of the process.

Meanwhile, prison officials have distanced themselves from the unfolding situation, insisting they acted within protocol and have no involvement in the delay or the chief’s current location.

The incident has sparked public debate over the enforcement of justice and the treatment of high-profile individuals under the law.