- James Mensah, 24, was remanded in prison for stealing five phones valued at GHC 35,700 in Asakraka, Abuakwa.
- Complainants were small-scale miners: Richard Opoku, Francis Mensah, John Bonayaa, and William Yenkyeibe.
- The stolen phones included an iPhone 13, two iPhone 12 Pro Max units, a Samsung Galaxy S21, and a Samsung A8.
- Mensah absconded for about a week before being arrested by Atwima Kokoben police.
- He admitted stealing, selling two phones for GHC 1,050, swapping one for an Infinix, and spending the proceeds.
- Mensah could not provide information on other recipients of the stolen phones.
- He is scheduled to reappear in court on October 3, 2025.
A 24-year-old labourer, James Mensah, has been remanded into prison custody by the Asante Abuakwa Circuit Court in Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality over the theft of five mobile phones at Asakraka near Abuakwa. Mensah pleaded not guilty and is set to return to court on October 3, 2025, before Mr. Jephthah Appau.
Police reports, presented by Chief Inspector Evans Ayimbisa, reveal that the complainants—Richard Opoku, Francis Mensah, John Bonayaa, and William Yenkyeibe—are small-scale miners working near Mensah’s residence, a nearby cottage. On September 8, 2025, around 8 PM, the miners had placed a bag containing five phones—an iPhone 13, two iPhone 12 Pro Max units, a Samsung Galaxy S21, and a Samsung A8, valued at GHC 35,700—at a spot while attending to their mining activities.
The miners noticed Mensah roaming nearby and, upon checking the bag, discovered it empty in the bush. Mensah had absconded from the cottage for about a week. He was later traced in Asakraka, arrested, and handed over to the Atwima Kokoben police.
In his caution statement, Mensah admitted to stealing the phones. He confessed to selling two of them for GHC 1,050, exchanging one for an Infinix phone at Adum-PZ, and spending the proceeds. However, he could not provide information to identify other dishonest receivers of the phones. Following investigations, he was formally charged and brought before the court.
