Charles Antwi and matters arising

A few days ago, one Charles Antwi was arrested at a church with a gun intending to kill the President. He was arraigned same day, and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Since then, there has been a national furore with people faulting the judge on various counts.

The public perceives Charles as having a mental problem which required assessment before verdict.

With the exception of one or two, lawyers have argued that there were fundamental procedural flaws for which, if possible, the judgment should be quashed. Others have propounded a conspiracy theory and argued for a probe.

Charles’s case raises a number of issues as matters arising in determining the way forward.

First, could Charles be mentally ill? Charles is said to have disclosed his intention to assassinate the President long ago.

He bought himself a gun, travelled from his hometown in the Brong Ahafo Region, lodged with his brother, went to the Flagstaff House for details of the Pre