Chief of Banka Jailed for Stealing $150,000 from Community

Chief of Banka Jailed for Stealing $150,000 from Community

In a shocking turn of events, the Chief of Banka, Osabarima Twiampomah III, has been sentenced to three months in prison and a GH¢24,000 fine for stealing $150,000 from his community.

The High Court in Accra found the Chief guilty of theft after a full trial presided over by Justice Comfort K. Tasiame on July 23, 2024. The court concluded the trial on May 7, 2024, after the accused, Mr. Ebenezer Baah Asare-Quansah, testified and had Professor Kwame Gyan Esq. as his only witness.
According to the prosecution, led by State Attorney Watkins Adamah, the Chief was a member of the Banka community and acted on their behalf. The prosecution claimed that the Banka community had challenged the renewal of a lease with a gold mining company, Gulf Coast Resources Company Ltd, for failing to fulfill its corporate social responsibility obligations over the past ten years.
The prosecution alleged that the company had given the $150,000 to the Banka community, but the Chief, Osabarima Twiampomah III, pocketed the money instead of using it for developmental purposes. The accused acknowledged receiving the money but denied using it for personal purposes, claiming it was not meant for the community.
However, the court found the Chief guilty of theft and sentenced him to three months in prison and a fine of 2,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢24,000. The elders of Banka had reported the matter to the police, leading to the Chief's arrest.
This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of community resources, as well as the need for robust mechanisms to ensure that traditional leaders act in the best interests of their people.