A 36-year-old unemployed ex-convict, Foster Nyarko, has been sentenced to six years and one month in hard labor for stealing from two government institutions – the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).
Foster Nyarko pleaded guilty before the Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah and begged for mercy, promising that it would be his last offense. He cited his responsibility for a seven-year-old daughter as a reason for leniency.
However, the court ruled that keeping him away from his daughter was in her best interest, as children often learn from their parents’ actions.
Despite receiving multiple sentences, Foster Nyarko will serve a maximum of two years since the terms are to run concurrently.
Crimes at Government Offices
According to Chief Inspector Daniel Ofori Appiah, who led the prosecution, Foster Nyarko committed the first offense on December 4, 2024 at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment.
Posing as a job seeker interested in a cleaning position, he was directed to the Human Resource Director.
Instead, he proceeded to the second floor, where he found the office of Deputy Director Daniel Sakyi Asiedu unoccupied.
Seizing the opportunity, Nyarko stole an HP laptop worth GH¢24,745.00 and placed it in his backpack, and exited the building.
Investigations later revealed that he had sold the laptop to an unidentified buyer in Takoradi.
In a separate incident on October 22, 2024, Foster Nyarko struck at CHRAJ’s headquarters, again under false pretences.
Claiming he was following up on an application, he gained access to Room 15 of the Human Resource Department.
Finding the office empty, he stole a Samsung Galaxy A54 5G mobile phone valued at GH¢4,999.00 which belonged to Celis-Jane Nyadroh, a Principal Administrator.
The theft was captured on CCTV and Foster reported the incident to the Ministries Police Station.
After months of evading arrest, Nyarko was finally caught on January 30, 2025, while attempting another theft at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons.
During police interrogation, he admitted to stealing the phone. He was subsequently charged with unlawful entry and stealing, offenses contrary to Sections 152 and 124(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
Despite his plea for leniency, the court found him guilty and imposed the custodial sentence to deter future misconduct.
