Ganja Charge Held Over For An Inmate Already Facing “More Serious” Matters

By Alric Lindsay

An inmate already in custody appeared by video link in the Town Summary Court on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 charged with possession of Ganja, and the matter was held over so it can be dealt with together with more serious charges he faces in the Grand Court.

The defendant, Johnathan Samuel Welcome, is charged with possession of Ganja, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act. The particulars allege that on December 24, 2025, he possessed Ganja weighing 7.41 grams (0.261 ounces). Welcome pled not guilty to the charge.

Arguing on Welcome’s behalf, defence attorney Amelia Fosuhene told the court that, given Welcome’s circumstances, she would argue against a custodial sentence for the Ganja matter.  The defence attorney added that he “is still in custody in relation to other serious offences in the Grand Court.”

After hearing from the defence attorney, the Chief Magistrate noted that Welcome is also “in breach of [a] suspended sentence” handed down in the Summary Court.  The matter was listed for July 30, 2026 “to follow on” so the Grand Court can deal with sentencing as a matter of totality.

Note to readers

Legislation cited — Misuse of Drugs Act

 “Totality” is the sentencing principle that a defendant’s overall punishment across several matters should be just and proportionate.

The proceedings describe allegations only; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.