Fishmongers fined for buying GH¢100k worth of stolen tilapia
The women pleaded guilty to dishonestly receiving the stolen fish and were convicted on their own plea. Their lawyers appealed for leniency, and the court, presided over by Justice Enid Marful-Sau, responded with a financial penalty of 100 penalty units per person.
Two fishmongers, Lady Ayawah and Faustina Kattah, have been fined GH¢1,200 each by the Amasaman Circuit Court after admitting to purchasing stolen tilapia worth a staggering GH¢100,000.
The women pleaded guilty to dishonestly receiving the stolen fish and were convicted on their own plea. Their lawyers appealed for leniency, and the court, presided over by Justice Enid Marful-Sau, responded with a financial penalty of 100 penalty units per person.
The fish in question belonged to commercial farmer Joseph Alobuia, who operates fish cages along the Densu River in Joma, Ga Central. According to Police Chief Inspector Frederick Awuah-Ansah, the theft occurred in the early hours of May 25, 2025, when fisherman Felix Banini allegedly used a canoe to raid the fish cages.
By the next morning, Alobuia discovered the massive loss and began tracing the stolen stock. His search led him to Lady Ayawah, who had some of the fish in her possession. She reportedly confessed that Banini had sold them to her the previous night.
A few days later, on June 2, with assistance from fellow fishermen, Alobuia apprehended Banini and turned him over to the police. In a caution statement, Banini admitted to the theft, disclosing he had sold GH¢850 worth of tilapia to Ayawah and another GH¢1,200 to Kattah.
Both women admitted to buying the fish during police investigations. They were charged and brought before the court, while Banini failed to appear and remains at large. A bench warrant has been issued for his arrest.
