The Amasaman Circuit Court has sentenced an apprentice, Benjamin Okyere, to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour for stealing valuable equipment and accessories from his trainer.
Okyere was convicted of stealing two Canon R10 cameras valued at GHC30,000, as well as a silver bracelet and wristwatch worth GHC500.
His alleged accomplice, Bernard Nwaeze, who was charged with dishonest receipt of one of the stolen cameras, is currently on the run after jumping bail.
The trial, presided over by Justice Enid Marful-Sau, a High Court judge with additional responsibility at the Circuit Court, found Okyere guilty after he denied the charges but was proven culpable during proceedings.
Nwaeze, who also pleaded not guilty, was granted bail in the sum of GHC30,000 with two sureties but failed to appear in court after his release.
According to Police Chief Inspector Frederick Awuah-Ansah, the complainant, Francis Sarkodie, a professional photographer residing at Achiaman near Amasaman, reported to the police on December 2, 2023, that his apprentice, Okyere, had absconded with two high-end cameras and some personal jewellery.
Despite extensive efforts, Okyere evaded arrest for months until a tip-off led to his capture—along with Nwaeze—on June 6, 2024.
Investigations revealed that Okyere had sold one of the cameras to Nwaeze for just GHC1,000, far below its market value of GHC18,000. He reportedly took the second camera to his hometown, Peki, but police efforts to retrieve it were unsuccessful.
During the investigation, both suspects reportedly admitted their involvement in the offence. They were subsequently charged and arraigned.
While Okyere begins his prison term, police have launched a manhunt for Nwaeze to face trial.
