Two blood brothers at Winneba Prison share emotional ordeal in custody

Two biological brothers from Agona Kwamang in the Central Region are currently serving jail terms at the Winneba Prison after being convicted for stealing a car battery from an accident scene for six months.

Bernard Gartey, 23, and his elder brother, Emmanuel Gartey, 25, shared their emotional ordeal in custody, recounting how a decision made in desperation led to their incarceration.

According to Emmanuel Gartey, an accident occurred at Agona Kwamang, prompting an announcement for young men in the community to assist because the driver had died.

“There was an accident at Agona Kwamang, so an announcement was made for the boys to come and help because the driver was dead. We went there to help remove the driver from the car. The car remained at the scene for about three days. The police later came and took one of the car batteries, leaving one behind,” Emmanuel explained in an interview with Crime Check Ghana.

The brothers later decided to take the remaining battery to Agona Nyarkrom to sell it.

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“When we got there, the community volunteers alerted the police. We hid the battery and tried to return to our community but we were told the police needed us at the station,” he said.

Emmanuel further narrated that upon arriving at the police station, officers asked them to tell the truth, promising they would be released if they did so.

“We told them the truth but we were handcuffed and taken to where we had hidden the battery. The CID officers handling the accident case were called and we were taken back to the police station,” he added.

Bernard Gartey also recounted what transpired in court.

“The judge asked us to tell the truth, so we admitted that we took the battery. He said because we did not show mercy regarding the death, that was why he was punishing us,” Bernard stated.

Sharing his emotional struggles in custody, Bernard said he has been abandoned by friends and loved ones.

“I feel very sad because since I came here, nobody has visited me. The friends I used to feed do not mind me anymore. Some promise to send me money but they don’t. When you call them, once they hear your voice, they hang up,” he lamented.

AM

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