In a case that underscores the importance of safeguarding property and enforcing the rule of law, the Amasaman Circuit Court has sentenced a 35-year-old driver, Kwadwo Larbi, to five years of imprisonment with hard labour for stealing a Toyota bus valued at GH¢70,000.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Enid Marful-Sau, a distinguished High Court Judge with additional responsibilities at the Circuit Court. Larbi pleaded guilty to the charge of theft and was convicted accordingly. However, he denied conspiring with another individual, identified as Godwin Baah, who is currently at large.
Details of the Case
The case was brought before the court by Police Chief Inspector Salifu Nashiru, who presented the facts surrounding the incident. The complainant, Mr. Joseph Addy, a businessman residing in North Kaneshie, owned the white Toyota bus with registration number GT 4403-15. The vehicle had been entrusted to a commercial driver, Yaw Mensah, for business purposes.
Unfortunately, the bus developed mechanical issues while in use and was parked at Sarpeiman along the Accra-Nsawam road. Mr. Addy was informed of the situation and visited the location with a mechanic to assess and repair the vehicle. However, repairs could not be completed during their initial visit.
On June 3, 2025, as Mr. Addy and the mechanic were en route to Sarpeiman to finalize the repair work, he received an alarming call from his driver, Yaw Mensah, reporting that the vehicle had been stolen and was nowhere to be found. The theft prompted Mr. Addy to lodge a formal complaint at the Amasaman Police Station
Arrest and Investigation
Four days later, on June 7, 2025, police received a tip-off that Larbi had towed the stolen vehicle to a scrapyard in Kasoa with the intention of selling it as scrap. Acting swiftly on this information, the Kasoa Police apprehended Larbi.
During interrogation, Larbi claimed that he had been contracted by one Baah from Sarpeiman to tow and sell the bus as scrap. Despite his statement, Larbi failed to provide any information that could lead police to locate or apprehend Baah. Following thorough investigations, Larbi was charged with theft and arraigned before the court.
Verdict and Sentence
Justice Enid Marful-Sau delivered her judgment with due regard for the facts presented and Larbi's guilty plea. The court sentenced him to five years of imprisonment with hard labour, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime and its impact on the complainant.
This case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of criminal behavior and highlights the diligence of law enforcement agencies in protecting citizens' property. While Larbi has been brought to justice, efforts to locate his alleged accomplice, Godwin Baah, remain ongoing.
Reflections on Justice
The sentencing of Kwadwo Larbi is a reminder that theft is a grave offense with severe repercussions under Ghanaian law. It also underscores the importance of vigilance in safeguarding property and reporting suspicious activities promptly to authorities.
As this case concludes with the conviction of Larbi, it leaves behind lessons on accountability and justice. The hope remains that all parties involved in such crimes will be brought to justice, ensuring that victims receive closure and society remains protected from unlawful acts.
This development is yet another affirmation of Ghana's commitment to upholding justice and maintaining public trust in its legal system.
-GNA
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
