The Amasaman Circuit Court has sentenced a 46-year-old mason, Akwasi Obeng, to 48 months’ imprisonment with hard labour for stealing 17 cattle valued at GH¢228,000.
Obeng, who pleaded guilty, told the court he stole the animals—part of the 21 cattle entrusted to his care—because his employer had failed to pay an agreed monthly salary of GH¢700. He said hardship and the responsibility of caring for his two children pushed him into committing the offence.
Presiding judge Mrs Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong imposed a fine of 500 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢6,000. By default, Obeng will serve an additional 12 months in prison.
The court held that Obeng had no reasonable defence but considered his plea for leniency, the recovery of all the stolen cattle, and the fact that he was a first-time offender.
It also noted the increasing prevalence of cattle theft in the area and stressed that the sentence should act as a deterrent.
Police Chief Inspector Salifu Nashiru told the court that the complainant, Evans Bortsie, a herdsman at Harekreshena and resident of Medie, hired Obeng as a cattle caretaker in August 2025. On October 30, Obeng reportedly led 21 cattle out to graze but failed to return with them.
A report was lodged with the Adjen Kotoku Police, and the complainant later recovered four of the cattle. Investigations revealed that Obeng had sold the remaining 17 to a buyer for GH¢96,000, receiving an initial GH¢30,000 and expecting the balance on November 12.
The buyer, upon learning the animals were stolen, alerted the police and arranged for Obeng to collect the outstanding payment. He was arrested when he arrived.
Obeng admitted the offence in his caution statement, telling police he had used part of the proceeds to rent an apartment. He was subsequently charged and prosecuted.
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