The Amasaman Circuit Court has fined two fishmongers, Lady Ayawah and Faustina Kattah, 100 penalty units each equivalent to GH¢1,200, for dishonestly receiving stolen tilapia valued at GH¢100,000.
The two women pleaded guilty and were convicted on their own plea. Their lawyers appealed for leniency before the presiding judge, Justice Enid Marful-Sau, delivered the sentence.
The case, presented by Police Chief Inspector Frederick Awuah-Ansah, involved a commercial tilapia farmer, Mr. Joseph Alobuia, who owns fish cages on a section of the Densu River at Joma in the Ga Central Municipality.
On May 25, 2025, around 1:00 am, Felix Banini, a fisherman and associate of the two women, allegedly stole a large quantity of tilapia from Mr. Alobuia’s fish farm using a canoe. The next day, the farmer discovered the theft and estimated his loss at GH¢100,000.
During his search, Mr. Alobuia found some of his stolen fish with Lady Ayawah, who admitted receiving them from Banini the previous night. She revealed that Banini sold her GH¢850 worth of the fish.
With the help of local fishermen in Agape Down, Mr. Alobuia apprehended Banini on June 2 and handed him over to the police. Banini confessed to the theft and also admitted selling GH¢1,200 worth of tilapia to Faustina Kattah.
Both women admitted the offence during investigations and were charged and brought before the court.
Banini, however, failed to appear in court and is currently on the run. A bench warrant has been issued for his arrest.