Two Thieves Jailed 20 Years For Cable Theft

Assin Nsuaem Kyekyewere Circuit Court has sentenced two men to 20 years in prison for stealing electricity cables from 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, also known as Paa Akwasi Driver, a 28 year old driver from Assin Fosu Menpeasem, were charged with stealing, unlawful entry, abetment of crime and conspiracy.

Police prosecutor, Chief Inspector Abdulai Moro, told the court that the complainants, Henry Aayiretuo, a mason, and Elder Isaac Mensah, a teacher and presiding elder at the Church of Pentecost, have their buildings located in Edubiase Habitat. On June 30, 2025, Stephen Adu-Gyamfi unlawfully entered a two-storey uncompleted building owned by Mr. Aayiretuo and his brother, and stole electrical cables, including 1.2mm, 2.5mm, and 4mm Nasal Cables, valued at GH¢20,000.

He later contacted Samuel Amoah to assist in burning the cables to remove the insulation. They sold the bare wires to scrap dealers, and Samuel was given GH¢20 as his share. On July 1, 2025, the two conspired again, returned to the same property, and stole more cables valued at GH¢30,000. They followed the same process of burning and selling the cables for cash, which they shared among themselves.

Encouraged by their success, Stephen Adu-Gyamfi alone revisited the area on July 3, 2025, this time targeting the nearby Church of Pentecost building, still under construction. He stole copper wires worth GH¢1,500 belonging to Elder Isaac Mensah and his congregation. However, luck eluded him while fleeing the scene. Some residents who spotted him gave him a hot chase and subsequently apprehended him and handed him over to the police.

He confessed during police interrogations and named Samuel, who was later arrested also as his accomplice. They both admitted to the crimes in their caution statement. The court, presided over by His Lordship Emmanuel Amoh-Yartey, found them guilty on all counts and sentenced each of them to 10 years imprisonment, totalling 20 years.