19-Year-Old Sentenced to Six Months for Theft of Cash and Phones in Tarkwa

Prince Bentum, a 19-year-old, has been sentenced to six months in prison by the Tarkwa District Magistrate Court for stealing GH¢5,000 and two mobile phones from his co-worker, Degraft Hagan. The theft occurred on September 27, 2025, while Hagan was away on a supply run for a mineral water company. Bentum pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful entry and theft.

The crime was discovered when Hagan returned to find his room had been broken into. Bentum was later apprehended after a witness recognized him using one of the stolen phones while he was seeking another job. During police questioning, he admitted to the theft but claimed he did not take the full amount of cash.

Law enforcement was able to recover some of the stolen items, including cash amounting to GH¢2,600 from Bentum's mobile money account. All items have been retained as evidence in the case. The court took Bentum's guilty plea into account during sentencing, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime and the breach of trust involved in stealing from a colleague.