Murder of the Owner of “Jirapa Dubai” Hotel Sentenced to Life Imprisonment
3 weeks ago
Former Manager Sentenced to Life for Murder of Jirapa 'Dubai' Hotel Owner
October 15, 2025
The High Court in Wa has sentenced Elisha Mahama to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of Eric Johnson, the owner of the Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, popularly known as Jirapa 'Dubai'.
The Verdict
Justice Yussif Assibey presided over the case and delivered the verdict on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. While Mahama was convicted and sentenced, two other accused persons, Belinda Miller and Kweku Kankumbata, were acquitted and discharged.
The Victim and His Vision
Eric Johnson was an ambitious entrepreneur who built the Royal Cosy Hills Hotel in Jirapa, Upper West Region. The resort, nicknamed "Jirapa Dubai," featured impressive amenities including:
- A 4-kilometer safari park housing various animals including zebras
- An artificial lake stocked with fish
- Water sports facilities including jet skiing
Johnson's vision extended beyond business profit. He aimed to create employment opportunities in the area and attract tourists to boost the local economy.
The Fatal Night
On the evening of February 10, 2024, Johnson was attacked and stabbed to death in his private residence. According to prosecution evidence presented in court, the murder was premeditated and executed with disturbing precision.
How the Murder Unfolded
The prosecution revealed that Elisha Mahama, a former human resource manager at the hotel, scaled the fortified fence using a ladder to gain entry to Johnson's private residence. Phone records showed he made several calls to Belinda Miller while inside, asking for the location of the master key to Johnson's room.
Once inside the room, Mahama stabbed Johnson multiple times, leaving him naked and lying in a pool of blood. He then stole an unspecified amount of money and Johnson's private Nissan car key, which he used to flee the scene. The vehicle was later found abandoned at Jirapa Zongo.
The Motive
Court proceedings revealed that Mahama had been dismissed from his position as human resource manager prior to the murder. His termination followed allegations of engaging in sexual relationships with more than four female employees at the hotel, which reportedly caused conflicts and unhealthy rivalry among the women, disrupting workplace harmony.
On the night of the murder, Mahama had left another girlfriend, Laureate Asare, in his room under the pretense of going to buy food before carrying out the attack.
Investigation Breakthrough
Police investigations received a crucial clue when a ladder was discovered at the crime scene, which helped establish how the perpetrator gained access to the heavily secured residence.
Justice Served
The life sentence handed down to Elisha Mahama brings closure to a case that shocked the Upper West Region and highlighted the tragic end of an entrepreneurial dream meant to uplift an entire community.
The Royal Cosy Hills Hotel stood as a testament to what private investment could achieve in developing rural areas of Ghana, making Johnson's murder not just a personal tragedy, but a loss to the entire region's development aspirations.
This conviction underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes face the full consequences of their actions under Ghanaian law.
