The Upper West Region mourned the loss of Mr. Eric Johnson, the 60-year-old Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Royal Cosy Hills Hotel in Jirapa (also known as Jirapa Dubai), whose mortal remains were interred on Saturday, June 1, 2024, following a solemn requiem service.
The service, held at Nayiri Park in Jirapa, attracted numerous family members, friends, and well-wishers who gathered to pay their last respects. Mr. Johnson is survived by three children, Grace Johnson, Karen Johnson, and Elfreda Erica Johnson, along with two grandchildren.
Background of the Tragic Incident
Mr. Eric Johnson’s life was tragically cut short on February 11, 2024, when he was found stabbed to death in his home. According to a police situational report, his body was discovered in a pool of blood the following morning. The motive behind this brutal act remains unknown, though the Ghana Police have arrested seven individuals, including staff members of the Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, who are currently assisting with the investigation.
Key Suspect Identified
Recent forensic investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service have identified Elisha Mahama, a Human Resource Manager at the Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, as the primary suspect in Mr. Johnson’s murder. According to the girlfriend of Mr. Mahama, Loretta Asare (also a suspect), Mr. Mahama left home on the night of February 10, 2024, and returned early the next morning without the food he had claimed to go out for, citing that he forgot to take money.
Forensic evidence has significantly pointed to Mr. Mahama. Latent fingerprints found on a glass wine shelf in the deceased’s living room matched those of Mr. Mahama. Additionally, blood-tainted footprints at the crime scene were found to be similar to Mr. Mahama’s footprints. Further evidence places Mr. Mahama on the premises of the Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, as he made a call from there to another suspect, Belinda Millah, lasting nine minutes.
Investigations revealed that Mr. Johnson’s death was caused by asphyxiation, strangulation, suspected homicide, and severe blood loss. A mysterious injury on Mr. Mahama’s right middle finger, appearing on February 11, 2024, suggests a possible struggle with the deceased, corroborated by statements from suspects Loretta Asare and Joshua Tabiri.
These findings strongly indicate that Mr. Elisha Mahama may have orchestrated the murder in collaboration with the other suspects, casting a shadow over the tragic demise of a respected entrepreneur.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Mr. Eric Johnson, remembering him as a visionary leader and a beloved figure in Jirapa.
