An Accra Circuit Court has remanded Francis Quaye, a 30-year-old caretaker, into police custody after he was accused of theft at his employer’s property in Lashibi, Accra. The stolen items are valued at GH¢221,370.00. Alongside Quaye, a 17-year-old driver’s mate, Prince Dunu, was also arrested and charged. Both have been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, unlawful entry, causing unlawful damage, and five counts of stealing. They did not plea and are due to reappear in court on April 11, 2024.
Prosecution led by Inspector Shiela Tetteh detailed that the complainant, Mark Sarfo, is a UK-based trader. Quaye, an employee of Sarfo’s and the accused mason, resides in Lashibi and occasionally in the Eastern Region. Dunu, the co-accused, is based in Lashibi. Previously, Quaye had requested and been permitted by Sarfo to care for his new property in Lashibi.
Upon returning to Ghana on January 8, 2024, Sarfo visited his property a month later and discovered a significant loss and damage. The electrical wires in the house had been cut, removed and even extensively damaged. An invasion of one of the rooms was detected, uncovered by the theft of several items all worth estimated at GH¢221,370.00. Among these stolen goods were 15 LG 2.5 horsepower Air-conditioners, curtains, a Sony sound system, and a microwave among other items.
Following the discovery, Sarfo attempted to contact Quaye multiple times without success, prompting him to report the incident to the police. Quaye was arrested on February 23, 2024, at Akosombo. Further into the investigation, Quaye revealed his crimes and implicated Dunu, alongside others to whom he had sold the air-conditioners. Dunu was apprehended on March 15, 2024, for a separate but related instance of cutting copper wires.
Despite Quaye identifying Dunu as his accomplice in the aforementioned burglaries, Dunu denies the charges levied against him. Further updates on this case are expected to follow the court’s appointment on April 11, 2024.
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13 Comments
Shouldnt background checks be mandatory for all hiring positions to avoid theft incidents?
Cant believe they would risk their jobs for GH¢221.370. What a shame!
Shouldnt employers do better background checks before hiring? Seems risky.
Its the responsibility of the employer to conduct thorough background checks before hiring. If they dont, theyre putting their company and employees at risk. Its a basic step in ensuring a safe and reliable work environment.
Do you think the punishment fits the crime in this case?
Is there a deeper issue causing employees to steal or just greed?
Is it fair to judge all caretakers and drivers based on the actions of a few?
Do you think stricter background checks could prevent theft in similar cases?
No, stricter background checks wont necessarily prevent theft in similar cases. People find ways to deceive or manipulate systems regardless. Its about addressing root causes like greed, lack of ethics, and opportunity. Lets focus on comprehensive solutions beyond just background checks.
Do you think the punishment for stealing is too harsh in this case?
Do you think stricter background checks could prevent such incidents in the future?
Stricter background checks may help, but determined individuals will find a way. We need to address the root causes of violence, not just put a band-aid on it. Lets focus on mental health support, education, and community resources to truly make a difference.
Are they guilty or framed? Need more info before passing judgment.