Evangelist jailed for theft

A self-styled evangelist of the Kumasi-based "Flame of Fire" Ministry who took advantage of the generosity of his host to steal his gadgets has been jailed 18 months in hard labour by the Goaso Community Tribunal.

Amos Yaw Adjei, 29, pleaded guilty to charges of stealing and causing damage. Police Chief Inspector Bawa Adama told the tribunal, presided over by Mr Williwis Kyeremeh, that Adjei and his elder brother arrived at Goaso from Kumasi on September 1 to evangelise and were hosted by the complainant, Yaw Dwamena. After a few days, they left for Kumasi only for Adjei to return to ask about the whereabouts of his elder brother and decided to stay with Dwamena to continue his evangelisation till his brother came back. On September 9, Mr Dwamena asked Adjei to accompany him to attend an evangelism programme in the night but the latter feigned tiredness and went to bed.

Whilst his host was away, Adjei stole his video deck and public address system and bolted with them but three weeks later, he was arrested at Mim whilst using the gadgets during a preaching programme.

Passing judgement, Mr Kyeremeh quoted extensively from the Bible, pointing out that it was wrong for Adjei to steal his host's property for evangelisation. "God has commanded us not to steal. It is, therefore, better to obey God's commandments than to use stolen items to work for him." Mr Kyeremeh said the plea of the accused for leniency for the fact that he used the items for good purpose was untenable in law.