- Kelvin Ofori Sakyi, 24years old, got 7 years for stealing GH¢75,895
- He used the stolen money for soccer betting
- Investigations showed Sakyi spent GH¢75,173 on soccer bets
A 24-year-old sales agent at the Mile 8 branch of Obrempong Cold Store in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality has been sentenced to seven years in prison with hard labor for misappropriating his employer’s funds.
Kelvin Ofori Sakyi was found to have used GH¢75,895 for soccer betting, leading to his conviction by the Tarkwa Circuit Court, presided over by Hathia Ama Manu.
Sakyi pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced accordingly.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Joyce Odame, who prosecuted the case, told the court that the complainant, Priscilla Aidoo, is the manager of the Mile 8 branch of Obrempong Cold Store and lives in the same community as Sakyi. She explained that, although Sakyi had other duties, he was responsible for receiving frozen products from her daily.
ASP Odame said that the complainant became suspicious when, after Sakyi submitted his daily sales accounts, there were frequent shortages. Sakyi would explain these shortages by claiming that customers had purchased the products on credit.
As a result, an audit was conducted, focusing on the customers Sakyi claimed owed money or had paid him via mobile money and cash. The audit revealed that, between October and November 2024, Sakyi failed to account for GH¢75,895 worth of frozen products entrusted to him.
A formal complaint was lodged, and Sakyi was arrested by the police. Investigations revealed that he had used the unaccounted funds primarily for soccer betting. The prosecution also obtained Sakyi’s mobile money transaction history from MTN, which showed that, from October to November 2024, he spent GH¢75,173 on soccer betting. Sakyi admitted to this during his investigation and in his caution statement.
