Charles Nii Armah Mensah, aka Shatta Wale, a dancehall artiste, has been sentenced to a fine of GHC2,000 on the charge of the publication of false news.
Shatta Wale in default would serve three months imprisonment in hard labour.
This was after the dance hall king also known as, “Don 1” changed his plea of not guilty to guilty.
Dressed in a mauve suit with his blonde haircut, Shatta after mounting the dock raised his hands in the air and said: “My Lord I want to change my plea.”
The court presided over by Mr Emmanuel Essandoh asked: “Are your lawyers aware that you want to change your plea?
Shatta Wale responded positively.
The charge was, therefore, re-read to Shatta Wale, and he pleaded guilty.
Shatta Wale is said on October 18, 2021, in Accra to have made a publication on social media that he had been shot following a prophecy by an Accra-based prophet that he would be shot.
Defence Counsel Mr Samuel Ofori argued that the accused was a first-time offender and he thought he was “playing” and he did not know the serious implication of that.
Mr Ofori said his client regretted his actions and he had also confided in him that ” never again will he do that.”
According to Mr Ofori, Shatta has shown remorse and had also regretted his actions and prayed the court to deal leniently with him.
Mr Jerry Avernorgbo, another counsel of Shatta Wale said his client had set a precedent in the country and that for once he had created a positive vibe in the country.
“Those false prophets will now not go out to make false declarations in the country,” the defence counsel said.
Mr Avernogbo prayed to the court to give his client a non-custodial sentence.
Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (DSP) Maxwell Oppong in his words to the court said,” My Lord we leave everything entirely in the hand of the court.”
The court, convicting Shatta Wale noted that the charge preferred against him was a misdemeanor adding that the accused was a first-time offender.
According to the court, Shatta Wale had shown remorse.
Three others standing trial with Shatta Wale had their case adjourned to July 20.
The dance hall king was standing trial with Kojo Owusu Koranteng, aka Nana Dope, Eric Venator, aka Gangee, and Iddrisu Yussif.
The three accused persons had denied the charge of abetment of crime.
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