2 farmers jailed 48 months for stealing cocoa beans

The Enchi District Magistrate Court on Monday sentenced two farmers to 48 months imprisonment in hard labour for stealing seven bags of dried cocoa beans worth GH¢2,900.00

Kwabena Kyei, 25, and Kwasi Asante, 26, were sentenced to 24 months each for causing unlawful damage and stealing.

In addition, two other accused, Afuah Mansah, 29, unemployed, and Akosua Ndaabrah, 50, farmer, are being tried on the same case for abetment and having in possession stolen property.

They pleaded guilty with explanation, and the court, presided by Mr Eric Baah Boateng, granted them bail in the sum of GH¢3,000.00 each with one surety each and were expected to make their next appearance today.

Detective Sergeant Joseph Kwadwo Agyare told the court that on August 11, 2019, at about 7am, the Dadieso police had a tip-off that people had taken bags of dried cocoa beans, suspected to have been stolen to a house at Black Man, a suburb of Dadieso in the Suaman District.

He said when the police proceeded to the house, they met Kwesi Asante’s girlfriend Afuah Mansah, and her mother, Akosuah Ndaabrah. 

Sgt Agyare said when the house was searched they found three bags of dried cocoa beans in Mansah’s room, and another four bags in Ndaabrah’s room.

Prosecution said the two accused were arrested and they together with the seven bags of dried cocoa beans were taken to the police station.

Sgt Agyare said the two in their caution statement mentioned the names of Kyei, Asante, and Okra, who is on the run, as the culprits.

The court heard that the convicts admitted the offence in caution statements obtained from them.

Sgt Agyare said the convicts led the police to Kwasuo and showed them a cocoa shed, which they broke into and made away with the seven bags of dried cocoa beans. – GNA