The four-year sentence slapped on Obaapa Christy’s ex-husband, Pastor Love Hammond, has taken many Ghanaians by surprise.
While some express sympathy and suggest he could have received a more lenient punishment or even a fine, others are questioning the severity of his crime.
The case, which spanned from 2017, concluded with Pastor Love being found guilty of theft, appropriation, and dishonesty.
Let’s take a look at the breakdown of events leading to his sentencing:
Initial arrangement:
Pastor Love’s childhood friend, Samuel Amankwah, informed him that a certain Rose who works at the harbour could clear a Toyota Highlander for GH¢27,000. Pastor Love agreed to handle the clearance but quoted a fee of GH¢47,000. Amankwah, unable to pay that amount at that time, asked Pastor Love to use his own funds for the clearance, promising reimbursement when he returns to Ghana within a month.
Financial contributions
Pastor Love contributed GH¢38,000, while Amankwah’s sister sent an additional GH¢8,500 for the clearance. Amankwah assured Pastor Love he would repay the debt in a month.
Failure to produce the car
Pastor Love cleared the car in March. When Amankwah returned to Ghana in April and requested the vehicle, Pastor Love claimed he needed GH¢50,000 before he could release it.
Amankwah questioned this amount and was directed to a man named Kofi, who Pastor Love claimed lent him the money.
Kofi denied lending any money to Pastor Love.
Confession of sale of vehicle
Later, Pastor Love admitted to selling the car instead of producing it. He claimed the car was with a dealer and demanded the GHC50,000 first.
Witness accounts
Mr. Antwi Boisiako, one of the witnesses, testified that Pastor Love initially said Amankwah had authorised him to sell the car for GH¢130,000.
Pastor Love claimed to have taken a loan of GH¢46,000 cedis for the clearance, with accruing interest.
Joseph’s statement
Another witness said that there was an initial agreement allowing Pastor Love to sell the car if Amankwah hadn’t returned within three months.
However, Amankwah returned within a month, yet Pastor Love sold the car in March.
Demand for payment
Amankwah eventually paid the GH¢56,000 that Pastor Love demanded, but the vehicle was never released.
Pastor Love still maintained that the car was with a dealer and eventually ceasing all communication with Amankwah until legal action was initiated.
Prolonged legal proceedings:
Pastor Love frequently filed for “no case” motions during the hearings, which prolonged the process as the opposing party appealed the rulings.
A non-existent microfinance company
Pastor Love claimed to have taken a loan of GH¢40,000 from Lloyd Microfinance, which was found to be nonexistent upon investigation.
inflated clearing fee
Investigations revealed that the actual duty was only GH¢39,452,12, contradicting Pastor Love’s initial claim of a GH¢47,000 cedis clearing fee.
The combination of these factors ultimately contributed to the court’s decision and Pastor Love’s sentence.
EB/OGB
