Abuakwa: Two friends have been sentenced to three years in prison each by the Asante Abuakwa circuit court in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality for the theft of five sliding window frames valued at GHS 2,500.00 at Abuakwa-Abakomadi. Yaw Paul, 28, a driver’s mate, and Stephen Boakye, alias ‘Destiny’, 23, a mechanic apprentice, pleaded guilty and were convicted based on their own plea.

According to Ghana News Agency, Police Chief Inspector Evans Baaba Ayimbisah, who prosecuted the case, informed the court presided over by Mr. Jephthah Appau that the accused individuals were close friends residing at Abuakwa-Maakro, while the complainant, George Osei, an aluminum fabricator, lived in Abakomadi. The incident unfolded on April 13 when a witness, a police officer stationed at the IPT snap checkpoint on the Abuakwa-Kumasi stretch, stopped a pragia rider carrying the accused.

The witness noticed the sliding window frames in the vehicle and questioned the rider, Isaac Amankwah, who stated that the accused had hired him to transport the frames to Abrepo junction in Kumasi. Upon questioning, the accused could not provide a satisfactory explanation and were subsequently taken to the Tanoso police station.

Following a thorough investigation, the accused confessed to stealing the items from Abakomadi. On April 14, they were brought to the crime scene, where the complainant identified the frames and claimed ownership. The accused admitted to the theft in their caution statement and were charged accordingly after further investigations, leading to their court appearance.