The Wa Circuit Court, presided over by His Lordship Jonathan Avogo, has sentenced two young men to a total of five years’ imprisonment with hard labour for separate incidents of theft in the Upper West Region.

The convictions followed successful investigations by the Upper West Regional Police Command into two unrelated theft cases.

In the first case, 28-year-old Zakariah Karim was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour for stealing a tricycle with registration number M-24-UW 8757. The tricycle was later retrieved in Kojokpere, located in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District, on July 9, 2025, after a tip-off to the police. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, while another accomplice is reportedly still at large.

In the second case, 25-year-old Sharif Kanton was arrested in Bugubelle, a community in the Sissala East District, on July 11, 2025. He was charged with breaking into two separate rooms in the same house and stealing assorted items. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

During the proceedings, the court described the two men as habitual criminals whose actions contribute to the rising incidents of theft and petty crime in the region.

In recent times, the Upper West Region has witnessed an upsurge in petty theft and armed robbery, prompting increased efforts by both the police and the judiciary to curb the menace.

By Abdul Ganiu Fasasu