Scrap vendor grabbed for stealing, claims he went to fetch firewood – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In a recent legal incident in Ghana’s South Industrial Area, a 19-year-old scrap vendor found himself at the center of a theft scandal. Kwaku Issahaku, a scrap vendor from Konkomba, Accra, was arrested on September 27, 2025, for allegedly stealing a one-door Hyundai Santafe air conditioner, bumper, and door from the SIC (South Industrial Carpet) yard. However, he claimed to the police that his visit to the industrial yard was not criminal but rather a quest to collect firewood. The court, reflecting on conflicting accounts, set his bail at GHC5,000, with two sureties. This case highlights the fine line between criminal intent and circumstantial narratives in theft allegations, particularly within informal economies like scrap trading.

Context of the Incident

The theft occurred at the SIC yard, a hub for industrial material trading in Ghana’s South Industrial Area. Security personnel reported hearing suspicious noises around 5:30 PM on the mentioned date. Upon investigation, they discovered Issahaku in possession of the stolen items: a GHC4,000 air conditioner, a GHC800 Hyundai bumper, and a GHC1,000 Hyundai door. His arrest followed, and he was handed to the Kaneshie Police Station.

Legal Charges and Defense Claims

Issahaku faces charges of unlawful entry and stealing. At a preliminary hearing at Adabraka District Court, he entered a plea of not guilty. Prosecution led by Chief Inspector Apeweh Achana of the Lions Security Company allege he trespassed to steal high-value items. Conversely, Issahaku’s defense team argued he entered the yard to gather firewood, a claim that remains unverified despite population-level credibility assessments.

Analysis

Stolen Items Overview

The value of the seized property underscores the severity of the accusation. The Hyundai Santafe air conditioner (GHC4,000) and door (GHC1,000) are automotive components in high demand at scrap markets, while the bumper (GHC800) aligns with similar parts’ pricing in Ghana’s secondhand vehicle trade. Experts suggest Issahaku targeted these items due to their resale potential.

Security Dynamics at SIC Yard

The SIC yard, under Lions Security Company surveillance, became the crime scene. Sakibu Fataw, a security guard for the company, testified to hearing unusual noises and pursuing the suspect. This incident raises questions about vulnerabilities at industrial sites, especially those handling valuable metal scraps.

Defense Argument: Necessity or Fabrication?

Issahaku’s claim of fetching firewood introduces ambiguity. In Ghana, economic hardship often drives individuals to justify petty crimes as survival tactics. However, legal standards require proof of necessity. The firewood narrative could complicate proceedings, as courts must determine whether circumstantial needs override intent to steal.

Summary

Kwaku Issahaku’s case exemplifies the tension between economic desperation and criminal accountability. While evidence links him to the SIC yard theft, his firewood defense underscores broader societal issues around scrapping and resource scarcity. The court’s bail decision reflects procedural fairness, but the case’s outcome may set precedents for similar disputes.

Key Points

Practical Advice for Scrap Vendors

Risk Mitigation Strategies

– Obtain written access permits to industrial zones.
– Avoid nighttime operations to reduce suspicion.
– Carry documentation (e.g., business licenses) to establish legitimacy.

Legal Preparedness

– Consult lawyers specializing in trade regulations.
– Understand Ghana’s laws on property trespass and restitution.

Points of Caution

False Accusations in Theft Cases

– Scrap vendors often face prejudice due to stereotypes about illicit trade.
– Courts prioritize forensic evidence (e.g., CCTV footage) over oral testimonies.

Bail Compliance Risks

– Failure to secure sureties could lead to remand.
– Bail amounts vary by crime severity; GHC5,000 suggests moderate risk assessment.

Comparison

Similar Cases in Ghana

In 2023, a scrap dealer in Tarkwa was acquitted after proving materials were lawfully sourced. This case parallels Issahaku’s situation, where defense relies on motive rather than evidence.

Cross-Border Theft Trends

While Ghana’s scrap trade mirrors Nigeria’s informal sector, legal frameworks differ. Ghana’s Lands Act (2020) regulates land use, affecting trespass charges at industrial sites.

Legal Implications

Theft Penalties Under Act 959

Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act stipulates maximum penalties of 5 years imprisonment and/or GHC10,000 fines for stealing property valued under GHC25,000. Issahaku’s stolen goods exceed this threshold, potentially upgrading charges.

Burden of Proof in Defense Arguments

Courts require credible evidence for defenses like necessity. Issahaku’s firewood claim lacks corroboration, putting the burden on his legal team to validate his story.

Conclusion

The Issahaku case underscores the need for transparency in Ghana’s scrap trade. While courts balance economic hardship with legal accountability, precise evidence handling remains critical. Stakeholders, including scavengers and property owners, must navigate regulations to prevent disputes.

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