Nkawie: An 18-year-old illegal miner, Emmanuel Oppong, has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment by the Nkawie Circuit Court in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region. Oppong was found guilty of stealing GHC 7,000 in cash at Manso-Moseaso.
According to Ghana News Agency, Oppong pleaded guilty to the charge and was convicted based on his own plea. Police Detective Chief Inspector Ntim Boadu, who prosecuted the case, informed the court, presided over by Mr. Robert Addo, that both the complainant, Grace Obeng, a trader, and the convict lived in Moseaso.
The incident occurred on January 12 when Obeng had stored GHC 7,000 in her handbag, which she kept in a cupboard. By the following morning, the money was missing. During her search, she overheard neighbors claiming they had seen Oppong with the bag. Upon informing Oppong’s parents, they assured her that they would refund the money, but the promise was not fulfilled.
The prosecution added that Oppong was arrested on January 14, 2025, in connection with another theft case. Obeng visited the police station to confirm her case against him. In his caution statement, Oppong admitted to the theft, revealing that he had used GHC 2,300 of the stolen amount to purchase a mobile phone and spent the remaining money.
Following further investigations, Oppong was formally charged and brought before the court, resulting in his conviction and sentencing.