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The Takoradi Circuit Court “B” has sentenced Ibrahim Fusseini, a 34-year old Depot Keeper, to five years imprisonment in hard labour for tampering with sealed dried cocoa beans and adulterating them with stones.

In the dock with him was Richard Ayipey, a purchasing clerk, who was also sentenced to five years imprisonment in hard labour for abetment of crime and dishonestly receiving.

The court also fined Ayipey GH¢2,400 and in default of payment, he would serve another two years imprisonment in hard labour.

The accused persons pleaded guilty.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Fuseini Yakubu told the court, presided by Mr. Justice Michael Ntumy, that the accused persons lived at Dadieso near Enchi, while the complainant was the General Manager of Akuafo Adamfo Cocoa Purchasing Company Limited residing in Accra.

He said on March 7, Ibrahim decided to steal some quantities of dried cocoa beans from the depot of the Akuafo Adamfo Cocoa Purchasing Company Limited where he worked.

Chief Inspector Yakubu said the accused person contracted Ayipey to fetch some stone in a cocoa sack and deposit it for him at the depot and Ayipey obliged.

He said that the same day, Fusseini secretly went to the depot and opened 15 sealed dried cocoa beans valued at GH¢5,350 and filled sacks with stones; and in this way, he was able to steal two bags of cocoa beans.

Chief Inspector Yakubu said Fusseini then sold the two stolen bags of cocoa beans valued at GH¢700 at GH¢ 440 to Ayipey and after the deal, Ayipey was given GH¢150 as his reward.

He said on March 12, the company in was transporting 600 bags of cocoa beans from its office storage to its depot at the Takoradi Port to be exported the United States of America.

Chief Inspector Yakubu said as the bags of cocoa beans were being discharged at the Takoradi Port, it was detected that they, were mixed with stones.

He said the complainant reported the matter to the Police and Fusseini and Ayipey and five others were arrested but in course of investigations, Fusseini and Ayipey admitted having committed the offence. Chief Inspector Yakubu said after further investigations, Fusseini and Ayipey were charged.