Kumasi 'Aboboyaa' rider jailed three years for CCTV-captured shop theft

A commercial tricycle rider in Kumasi has been handed a three-year prison sentence with hard labour after security cameras exposed him stealing large sums of money from a metal shop.

Emmanuel Asamoah, 22, pleaded guilty before the Asokwa Circuit Court after admitting he repeatedly withdrew cash from the shop of Madam Ama Kyerewaa, a midwife who operates Amful Metal at Suame Magazine with her husband.

Presiding judge Fred Obikyere noted Asamoah’s youth, clean criminal record and willingness to cooperate with investigators. The court also observed that he had already refunded part of the stolen money and pledged to pay an outstanding GH¢55,000.

According to ASP Stephen Ofori, Asamoah regularly stationed his tricycle in front of the shop, where he transported customers’ metal pipes.

On 31 October 2025, Madam Kyerewaa realised GH¢9,000 was missing from her handbag. A search conducted on workers yielded nothing, prompting her to review the CCTV system.

The footage captured Asamoah taking money from both her handbag and a drawer inside the shop.

Police arrested Asamoah shortly after the footage was reviewed.
During questioning, he confessed that he had been stealing from the shop for two months, taking a cumulative amount of GH¢80,000.

Investigators recovered GH¢20,000 from him.

Asamoah was charged and brought before the court, where he admitted the offence and was subsequently sentenced.