Mechanic jailed five years for stealing ECG cables

Takoradi, June 15, GNA - A Takoradi Circuit Court on Friday sentenced Kojo Obeng 26, a fridge mechanic to five years imprisonment in hard labour on his own plea for stealing electrical cables valued at 200 million cedis belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Prosecuting Police Chief Inspector Ebenezer Darko told the court presided over by Mr Justice Kwesi Boakye that the complainants were members of Effiakuma neighbourhood watch committee.

He said at about 0200hours on March 3, this year, members of the committee on patrol spotted the accused a resident of Anaji a Takoradi suburb hiding behind some houses at Effiakuma Koobi bar with a big travelling bag over his shoulder.

Police Chief Inspector Darko said the complainants became suspicious and confronted the accused and when the bag was opened a large quantity of insulated electrical cables belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) were found. He said the accused was arrested and sent to Effiakuma Police station and after investigations charged with the offence. In another development, the court remanded Collins Afternyi 18, a fisherman into prison custody for allegedly defiling a six-year old girl.

He pleaded guilty and would re-appear on June 29. Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Darko said at about 1630 hours on May 18 this year, the victim was playing outside her house when the accused called her.

He said the accused took the victim to a nearby kiosk and defiled her.

Police Chief Inspector Darko said the accused fled when the victim started screaming but was arrested by some neighbours and handed over to the police and after investigations charged with the offence.