The Achimota Circuit Court has sentenced a former Assistant Manager of Chicken Inn and Pizza Inn to five years imprisonment in hard labour. The 29-year-old, Collins Acquah, was caught on Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) stealing GH₵199,040.00 belonging to his former employer.

After a week on remand, Acquah changed his plea from not guilty to guilty. He was convicted on his own plea and sentenced accordingly. However, he refused to disclose the whereabouts of the stolen money when questioned by the court.

Presiding Judge Akosua Anokyewaa Adjapong ordered Acquah to pay a fine of 100 penalty units, equivalent to GH₵1,200.00, or serve an additional two years imprisonment if he defaults. He was also mandated to refund the stolen GH₵199,040.00 to his former employer.

In sentencing, the court considered Acquah’s age, his status as a first-time offender, and his show of remorse. The prosecution revealed that Acquah worked at the Accra Mall branch of Chicken Inn and Pizza Inn, a company owned by Simbisa Brands Limited.

The theft occurred on December 27, 2023, when Acquah, who had access to the vault room, stole proceeds from December 25 and 26. The act was captured on CCTV, and after a review, the footage confirmed the theft. Acquah went into hiding in Cape Coast but was eventually arrested following a police complaint by the management.