Teshie site theft case: Labourer gets GH¢50,000 bail over alleged cable haul

A labourer accused of stealing building materials worth GH¢28,320 from an uncompleted house at Teshie has been granted bail by an Accra Circuit Court.

Derrick Larbi Nmetteh pleaded not guilty to charges including unlawful entry, stealing and causing damage. The court set bail at GH¢50,000, with two sureties. One surety must be a close relative, while the other must be justified.

The judge granted the request after the defence applied for bail, despite opposition from prosecutors. The court also directed the prosecution to file disclosures and adjourned the case to 30 March 2026.

According to prosecutors, the complainant, Michael Abban Wealth, manages and cares for the building on behalf of its owner, who is based in the United States.

Police allege the theft was discovered on 2 January 2026 when the complainant visited the site and found electrical cables, PVC pipes and breakers missing.

The court heard that on 11 January, a witness saw Nmetteh at the property and challenged him. Prosecutors said he bolted, but was later arrested on 17 January.

Investigations, police say, suggest the suspect gained entry through a sliding window, damaged installed materials and removed the items.

Prosecutors also told the court that Nmetteh was earlier granted police enquiry bail and asked to report on 20 January, but allegedly failed to do so, leading to his re-arrest.