MAMPONTENG, Ghana — The serene campus of Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) has become an unlikely backdrop for a legal drama. A 16-year-old student and his stepfather recently secured bail after finding themselves embroiled in a case involving the unlawful possession of a firearm. The incident has sparked considerable interest in Mamponteng and beyond, raising questions about firearm regulations and the responsibilities of guardians.

The case centers around the discovery of a locally manufactured pistol on the OKESS campus on May 14, 2025. The weapon was found in the possession of the student, whose name is being withheld due to his age. This discovery set in motion a series of events that led to the arrest of both the student and his stepfather, Daniel Owusu Baafi, a local pastor. Both now face charges under Section 192 of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which pertains to the unlawful possession of firearms.

The student and his stepfather, Daniel Owusu Baafi, were subsequently granted bail by a District Court. The student’s bail was set at GH¢50,000 with stringent conditions: two sureties, one of whom must be a government employee or senior staff earning a minimum of GH¢4,000 per month. Baafi’s bail was GH¢30,000, also with two sureties, one required to have a monthly income of at least GHC 3,000. The court ruling was presided over by Natacha Abena Tuffour, adding a layer of judicial oversight to the proceedings.

“We were surprised, of course,” said a neighbor who asked not to be named, “but Pastor Baafi is a good man. We hope this is all a misunderstanding.”

The stepfather, Baafi, has vehemently denied ownership of the firearm. His defense hinges on the claim that the pistol belonged to his late uncle and was stored in the uncle’s room, which the student later occupied. The circumstances surrounding the firearm’s presence on school grounds remain a key point of contention.

The discovery of the firearm at OKESS was made by an assistant headmaster, who promptly handed the student over to the police. The subsequent investigation led to Baafi’s arrest. Initially, both were granted police enquiry bail. However, they were formally charged upon their appearance in court. The court has adjourned the proceedings to June 17, 2025, setting the stage for further developments.

The legal ramifications of unlawful firearm possession in Ghana are significant. Section 192 of Ghana’s Criminal Code carries potential penalties, although the specific nature of these penalties and the factors influencing sentencing decisions would require further research and legal analysis. The court will need to determine guilt or innocence based on evidence presented and consider mitigating or aggravating factors. Understanding the precise penalties for violating Section 192 of Ghana’s Criminal Code, as well as the factors that influence sentencing in these cases, requires further investigation into Ghanaian law and legal precedents.

As the OKESS firearm case unfolds, the community remains attentive to the details emerging from the courtroom. With the student and stepfather currently out on bail, the upcoming court date will be pivotal in determining the future course of the proceedings and the validity of Baafi’s defense. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences associated with firearm possession and the necessity of adhering to Ghana’s laws. Further updates will be provided as the case progresses.