A Kumasi Circuit Court has handed down a 36-month imprisonment sentence with hard labour to Opoku Boafo, a driver's mate, after he was convicted of stealing GH¢30,000 from his employer.
The court heard that the complainant, Mr. Kwabena Adusei, entrusted the substantial sum of money to Boafo for a business transaction involving the purchase or securement of a vehicle. According to the prosecution, Mr. Adusei left the cash in Boafo's custody while attending to other matters.
Upon his return, Mr. Adusei discovered that the accused had taken the GH¢30,000 without authorisation and was unable to account for the funds. A police investigation was launched, leading to the arrest of Opoku Boafo.
He was subsequently charged with stealing, an offence contrary to Section 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). During the trial, the court considered testimonies from the complainant and law enforcement officers involved in the inquiry.
After reviewing the evidence presented and the plea entered by the accused, the Kumasi Circuit Court found Opoku Boafo guilty. The 36-month sentence with hard labour underscores the court's firm stance against property crimes, particularly those involving a breach of trust within an employment relationship.