The Assin Nsuaem Kyekyewere Circuit Court has sentenced two men to a total of 20 years in prison for stealing electrical cables valued at GH¢51,500 from residential and church construction sites in Assin Edubiase in the Central Region.
The convicts, Stephen Adu-Gyamfi, also known as SM 4 Life, a 26-year-old labourer from Assin Atonsu, and Samuel Amoah, alias Paa Akwasi Driver, a 28-year-old driver from Assin Fosu Menpeasem, were found guilty of multiple charges including cable theft, unlawful entry, abetment of crime, and conspiracy.
Presenting the case in court, Chief Inspector Abdulai Moro stated that the complainants were Mr. Henry Aayiretuo, a mason, and Elder Isaac Mensah, a teacher and presiding elder at the Pentecost Church in Assin Edubiase. Both complainants are residents of the Edubiase Habitat area, where the thefts occurred.
According to the prosecution, on June 30, 2025, Stephen Adu-Gyamfi unlawfully entered a two-storey uncompleted building jointly owned by Mr. Aayiretuo and his brother and stole a quantity of electrical cables including 1.2mm, 2.5mm, and 4mm Nasal Cables. The stolen materials were valued at GH¢20,000.
He later contacted Samuel Amoah to assist in burning the stolen cables to remove the insulation, making it easier to sell the bare copper wires as scrap. After selling the metals to scrap dealers, Samuel Amoah was given just GH¢20 as his share of the proceeds.
On the following day, July 1, 2025, the two returned to the same building and carried out another theft, this time stealing electrical cables worth GH¢30,000. They used the same method of burning and selling the cables and again shared the proceeds among themselves.
Not satisfied with their previous loot, Stephen Adu-Gyamfi acted alone on July 3, 2025, and targeted a new site — the Pentecost Church building under construction in the same community. He succeeded in stealing copper wires valued at GH¢1,500, which belonged to Elder Isaac Mensah and the congregation.
However, his criminal activities were cut short when he was spotted fleeing the scene by alert residents who pursued and apprehended him. Upon arrest, he confessed to the thefts and named Samuel Amoah as his accomplice.
Following his confession, the police arrested Samuel Amoah. During their interrogation, both suspects admitted to the crimes in their caution statements.
Delivering his judgment, His Lordship Emmanuel Amoh-Yartey convicted the two on all charges and sentenced them to 10 years imprisonment each, bringing the total sentence to 20 years.
The ruling has brought a sigh of relief to residents of Assin Edubiase, particularly those in the Habitat enclave who had been living in fear due to the series of thefts. Many community members have praised the swift work of the police and the judiciary for ensuring that justice was served.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around construction sites to help prevent similar crimes.
For further details or interviews, call: 054 246 6653
Story by: Shadrack Owusu Asante
