In a case that underscores the importance of vigilance and security at government institutions, a 26-year-old driver’s mate, Isaac Peprah, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment for stealing various items from the Ministry of Finance. The sentencing took place at the Adabraka District Court after Peprah pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing. The court, presided over by Mrs. Abena Owusu Omenyo, convicted him on his own plea and struck out two additional charges of unlawful entry and causing unlawful damage.
Incident Details
The theft occurred in the early hours of August 17, 2025, at the Ministry of Finance Annex “E” Treasury Block. According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Apeweh Achana, Peprah unlawfully climbed the fence wall of the premises at approximately 5:00 am and caused damage to five louvre blades to gain access to one of the offices on the first floor. Once inside, he stole two Dell laptops. He then used keys found in the office to open another room, where he took a Dell laptop, a Lenovo laptop, their chargers, a West Pool tabletop fridge, and a Bluetooth speaker.
Peprah reportedly moved the tabletop fridge to a corner in the Ministry’s car park before exiting the premises with a bag containing the four stolen laptops. However, his escape was thwarted when a resident returning from jogging became suspicious and questioned him about the contents of his bag. Sensing danger, Peprah attempted to flee toward the Ghana Revenue Authority's Customs Division Head Office but was pursued by witnesses who raised an alarm.
Arrest and Recovery of Items
The chase culminated in Peprah being apprehended in front of the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment offices. He was escorted to the Ministries Police Station along with the stolen laptops. Subsequent investigations led Peprah to reveal where he had hidden the tabletop fridge, which was recovered by authorities. Photographic evidence of the stolen items was documented.
In his caution statement, given in the presence of an independent witness, Peprah admitted to committing the crime. The stolen laptops were returned to representatives of the Ministry of Finance who were present in court.
Legal Proceedings
While Peprah pleaded guilty to theft, he denied charges of unlawful entry and causing unlawful damage. Following his conviction for stealing, the prosecution decided not to pursue these additional charges. The trial judge struck them out accordingly.
Reflections on Security
This incident highlights critical vulnerabilities in institutional security measures. The Ministry of Finance, as a key government entity, must ensure that its premises are safeguarded against unauthorized access. Enhanced security protocols, including surveillance systems and physical barriers, could deter similar occurrences in the future.
Conclusion
Isaac Peprah’s actions serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of criminal behavior. His six-month sentence is a reminder that theft—especially from government institutions—will be met with swift legal action. As government entities continue to play pivotal roles in national development, safeguarding their resources remains paramount. The swift recovery of stolen items and prompt judicial proceedings in this case reflect a commitment to justice and accountability.
