Makola thief jailed nine months after CCTV capture

A 31-year-old man has been jailed for nine months by an Accra Circuit Court after admitting to stealing items from a shop at Makola Market.

Sampson Kwabena Ebo, who told the court he was unemployed, pleaded guilty to taking a Nokia HD Android phone valued at GH¢3,000, a woman’s handbag worth GH¢550, and clothes valued at GH¢350.

The court convicted him on his own plea and imposed the prison term.

Prosecutors said the complainant, Theresa Ocansey, is a businesswoman who lives at Amamole, while Ebo resides at Konkomba in Accra.

The court was told that CCTV footage, reviewed by an assistant at the Office of the Special Operations under the Inspector General of Police, captured a young man entering the shop and leaving with the items.

Police said a surveillance team was assigned to trace the suspect seen in the footage.

On 10 February 2026, officers arrested Ebo at Konkomba Market following what prosecutors described as intelligence-led operations.

When investigators later showed him the video, he identified himself as the person recorded in the shop, the court heard.

During questioning, Ebo told police he had sold the mobile phone to a man known as Baba for GH¢500, and had thrown away the handbag and clothes.

Prosecutors said investigations suggested he did not act alone, alleging that he worked with others who targeted shops during busy hours to steal money and valuables.

Police said they visited the workplace of the man identified as Baba, but he had fled. Efforts to locate and arrest him are continuing.