Ghanaian actress and activist Efia Odo has voiced her strong reaction to a recent court ruling concerning the case of Zelia Sulemana, who was sentenced to death in 2017 for the killing of her friend in an act of self-defense.
The case of Zelia Sulemana has attracted widespread attention and condemnation since it was brought to light by a reportage on JoyNews, which detailed her struggles in seeking a retrial.
According to reports, the fatal incident occurred during a heated argument between Ms. Sulemana and her friend, during which her friend attacked her with a knife. In an attempt to defend herself, Sulemana managed to gain control of the knife, resulting in her friend being fatally stabbed.
Despite pleas for mercy and the circumstances of self-defense, Zelia Sulemana was arrested, tried, and subsequently sentenced to death.
Reacting to the court ruling, Efia Odo expressed her dismay at the decision to sentence someone to death for acting in self-defense. She questioned the logic behind punishing individuals who are merely protecting themselves from imminent harm.
According to Efia Odo, the laws regarding self-defense must be thoroughly reviewed to prevent such injustices from occurring in the future. She advocated for a fair and just legal system that respects and protects individuals’ rights to defend themselves against harm.
The actress and activist’s outspoken stance on the matter reflects broader concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of the legal system, particularly in cases where individuals are compelled to defend themselves in life-threatening situations.
Efia Odo’s comments have sparked further debate and scrutiny of Ghana’s legal framework, particularly regarding the treatment of individuals who find themselves in similar circumstances to Zelia Sulemana.
