Wa High Court frees Belinda Miller and Kweku Kankumbata as jurors deliver unanimous verdict in Eric Johnson murder case

The Wa High Court has acquitted Belinda Miller and Kweku Kankumbata, two of the three accused persons standing trial for the murder of Eric Johnson, owner of the Royal Cozy Hills Hotel, popularly known as Jirapa Dubai, in the Upper West Region.

The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, came after a 7–0 unanimous decision by the court’s jury, which found the two not guilty of any involvement in the killing.

However, the court, presided over by Justice Ackah-Yensu, found the first accused, Eliasah Mahama Akpanyikye, guilty of murder. He now faces sentencing for his role in the death of the prominent businessman.

In a previous report by MyNewsGh.com, we stated this verdict marks the end of a months-long high-profile trial that captured national attention due to the mysterious circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death.

The incident occurred on February 11, 2024, when Eric Johnson was stabbed to death by unknown assailants at his home in Jirapa. His lifeless body was discovered the following morning in a pool of blood, triggering widespread shock and grief in the region.

Police investigations initially led to the arrest of seven suspects, including employees of the hotel.

After preliminary investigations, four were released, leaving Eliasah Mahama Akpanyikye, Belinda Miller, and Kweku Kankumbata to face full trial before the Wa High Court.

During the proceedings, prosecutors alleged that the accused persons had conspired to murder Johnson, but defense lawyers argued that the evidence was purely circumstantial and did not link Belinda Miller and Kankumbata to the act.

After months of testimony and deliberations, the jurors returned a unanimous 7–0 verdict, acquitting Miller and Kankumbata of all charges.