In a recent ruling by the Tarkwa Circuit Court, Eric Watson-Amoah, a 24-year-old unemployed individual, has been handed a 16-year sentence of hard labor for the theft of assorted items valued at GH₵56,600 from a residence in Ahwetieso, Western Region. The theft, which took place on November 16, 2023, involved unlawful entry, causing damage to property, and stealing.
During the court proceedings, Watson-Amoah pleaded guilty with an explanation to the charges brought against him. He expressed remorse for his actions and attributed the offense to economic hardship. Seeking forgiveness during his plea for mitigation before the presiding judge, Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu, Watson-Amoah acknowledged his wrongdoing and appealed for leniency.
According to the prosecution, led by Police Chief Inspector Joseph Lartey, Watson-Amoah, upon noticing the absence of the homeowner, forcibly gained entry by damaging a Chinese door valued at GH₵2,200. Subsequently, he made away with a Samsung television, DStv decoder, laptop, women's clothing, jewelry, and food items, with a total value of GH₵56,600. It was revealed that Watson-Amoah hired a taxi to transport the stolen goods to an undisclosed location before going into hiding.
The arrest of Watson-Amoah occurred on November 30, 2023, when the Divisional Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Tarkwa apprehended him in connection to another case. During the investigation, some of the stolen items were recovered, although several remained unrecovered at the time of sentencing.
The severity of the sentence reflects the gravity of Watson-Amoah's actions and serves as a deterrent to others. The court's decision underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served. It also sends a clear message that criminal activities such as theft will not be tolerated within the community.
As the case concludes, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of criminal behavior and the significance of respecting the property rights of others. The hope is that this ruling will not only provide a sense of closure to the victim but also serve as an opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration for the convicted individual into society following the completion of his sentence.
-By Moses Otoo| Ghana Crimes
