18 months for stealing 18 bunches of plantain

Juaso (Ash.), Sept. 7, GNA - A circuit court at Juaso has sentenced Ebenezer Kwadwo Odoi, farmer, 32, to 18 months imprisonment in hard labour for stealing 18 bunches of plantain valued at GH=A2100 (one million cedis).

Odoi, who stole the plantain from the farms of two farmers sharing common boundaries, pleaded guilty to two counts of stealing and was convicted in his own plea.

Police Chief Inspector Kippo Iddrisu Mahama told the court presided over by Mr Jacob Boon that both complainants and the accused were farmers at Amakom, a suburb of Pra River near Breku in the Asante-Akim South District.

He said on August 30, around 15 hours, Mr Kwaku Ofori went to his farm and detected that someone had harvested 11 bunches of plantain in his farm.

The prosecutor said the complainant traced the footprints of the perpetrators to a spot where the bunches of plantain were heaped, and made a report to the police.

According to Chief Inspector Mahama, the complainant led the police to the spot where the accused was spotted bargaining with a prospective buyer, adding that he took to his heels upon seeing the police.

He said after a futile chase the unit committee members were informed leading to his arrest hours later when he resurfaced and was handed over to the police.

While the accused was writing his statement at the police station, another complainant, Paul Yeboah also reported the theft of seven bunches of plantain in his farm. Odoi, who admitted stealing the plantain, was additionally charged with the offence.