The Amasaman Circuit Court has imposed a fine of 100 penalty units—equivalent to GH¢1,200—on two fishmongers, Lady Ayawah and Faustina Kattah, for dishonestly receiving stolen tilapia valued at GH¢100,000.
The women pleaded guilty and were convicted based on their own pleas. Their lawyers requested leniency, which the court considered before issuing the fines.
The case was presided over by Justice Enid Marful-Sau, a High Court Judge who also serves in the Circuit Court.
Felix Banini, the fisherman suspected of stealing the tilapia, is currently on the run. A bench warrant has been issued for his arrest.
According to Police Chief Inspector Frederick Awuah-Ansah, the complainant, Mr. Joseph Alobuia, is a commercial tilapia farmer with fish cages located in a section of the Densu River at Joma, in the Ga Central Municipality.
Banini, Ayawah, and Kattah all reside in Ablekuma-Agape Down and are known locally as fishermen and fishmongers.
On May 25, 2025, around 1:00 a.m., Banini allegedly used a canoe to steal tilapia from Mr. Alobuia’s cages on the Densu River.
Mr. Alobuia discovered the theft the following day and estimated his loss at GH¢100,000. He began his own investigation and eventually found some of the stolen fish in the possession of Lady Ayawah.
When confronted, Ayawah identified Banini as the person who had sold her the fish the previous night.
On June 2, 2025, with assistance from other fishermen in Agape Down, Mr. Alobuia managed to apprehend Banini and turned him over to the police.
In his caution statement, Banini confessed to stealing the fish and disclosed that he sold GH¢850 worth to Lady Ayawah and GH¢1,200 worth to Faustina Kattah.
Both women admitted their involvement during police investigations and were subsequently charged and brought before the court.
The prosecution added that Banini has since failed to appear in court and remains at large. Police efforts to locate him are ongoing.
