Teshie: Woman jailed 12months for stealing Church TV

A 24-year-old woman, Mawuena Tamakloe, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison by an Accra Circuit Court after admitting to stealing a 50-inch Hisense UHD 4K television from the Church of Pentecost located at the Teshie Military Barracks in Accra.

Tamakloe pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful entry and theft. The court, presided over by Judge Susan Edufful, issued 12-month concurrent sentences for each count.

The stolen television was valued at GH¢8,900.

According to Chief Inspector Clemence Takyi, after undergoing a pregnancy test—which returned negative—Tamakloe attempted a dramatic escape from police custody.

She darted across a busy road, jumped into a commercial vehicle, and tried to flee, followed closely by a taxi. Her freedom was short-lived, however, as a vigilant motorcycle rider helped track her down and led to her re-arrest.

The initial charge of causing unlawful damage was dismissed following a request from the prosecution.

The court had earlier entered a not guilty plea on her behalf after she provided an explanation.

During sentencing, the judge acknowledged her youth, lack of prior convictions, and remorse as mitigating factors, but emphasized the need for accountability.

The theft was reported by Elder Ebenezer Oppong Aboagye of the church.

Military personnel had noticed Tamakloe exiting the barracks with the TV, which was clearly marked with the church’s name.

Her story failed to convince them, and she eventually confessed during a police interview.

A later inspection confirmed damage to the pastor’s office door, which Tamakloe admitted to in her caution statement.

Judge Edufful advised her to reflect and reform during her time in prison.