The Tarkwa Circuit Court has fined Obed Botwe, a 21-year-old galamsey operator, GH¢12,000 for stealing.

The convict pleaded guilty to unlawful entry and stealing cash of GH¢17,000 belonging to one Abdula Adamu.

In default of the fine, he would serve 24 months' imprisonment with hard labour.

Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Joseph Lartey, told Justice Mercy Adei Kotei, a high court Judge sitting with additional responsibility as a circuit court judge, that the complainant, Abdula Adamu work with a construction company.

He said the complainant and Botwe resided in Low-Cost and Kwabedu, respectively, all in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.

He said on January 14, 2026, at about 8:00 pm, Botwe visited his friends, Mole, and Mike, who work at the complainant's mobile phone charging shop at the Tarkwa Railway station.

The prosecutor said Botwe stayed with his friends until they closed for the day, and while leaving, the complainant kept GH¢17,000 in a wardrobe drawer.

ASP Lartey said the complainant locked the shop, hid the key in the corridor, and shut the main gate, leaving it unlocked.

He informed the court that Botwe returned to the shop when they all left, retrieved the hidden key, and made off with all the money.

According to ASP Lartey, on January 19, 2026, around 5:30 pm, the complainant saw Botwe at the Tarkwa Railway station, and he apprehended him with the support of the police.

Prosecution said that when Botwe was interrogated at the police station, he told the officers that he had spent all the money.

During the ruling, the judge stated that, besides the fine, Botwe should refund the GH¢17,000 to the complainant.