The Amasaman Circuit Court has sentenced an apprentice, Benjamin Okyere, to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour for stealing his trainer’s cameras and other valuables.

Okyere was convicted of stealing two Canon R10 cameras valued at GH₵30,000, as well as a silver bracelet and a wristwatch valued at GH₵500.

His alleged accomplice, Bernard Nwaeze, was arraigned for purchasing one of the stolen cameras, which was valued at GH₵18,000.

Although Okyere denied the charge, he was found guilty after trial and sentenced accordingly.

Nwaeze was granted bail in the sum of GH₵30,000 with two sureties but has since absconded.

Police Chief Inspector Frederick Awuah-Ansah told the court, presided over by Justice Enid Marful-Sau, that the complainant, Francis Sarkodie, a photographer, resides in Achiaman near Amasaman.

Okyere, a labourer, and Nwaeze, a phone repairer, both reside in Nungua.

On December 2, 2023, Sarkodie reported to the Amasaman Police that Okyere had stolen his cameras and jewellery before going into hiding.

Efforts to trace Okyere proved futile until June 6, 2024, when police arrested both suspects following a tip-off.

Investigations revealed that Okyere sold one of the cameras to Nwaeze for GH₵1,000 and sent the other to his hometown, Peki. However, police were unable to recover the latter.

During questioning, both men admitted to the offence. They were subsequently charged and arraigned before the court.