An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced a 32-year-old unemployed woman to two years imprisonment for breaking into a church and stealing assorted items during a service at the 48 Engineer Barracks in Teshie.
Amanda Pascal, a Nigerian national residing at Teshie Lascala, pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful entry and stealing. The court, presided over by Mrs Basilia Adjei-Tawiah, convicted her on her own plea and imposed a two-year sentence on each count, to run concurrently.
The case took a dramatic turn when it emerged during proceedings that the convict had prior convictions. While the investigator mentioned a previous sentence handed down by the LEKMA District Court, Amanda herself disclosed that she had earlier been sentenced by the same Circuit Court to nine months imprisonment.
Prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Abigail Offeibea, told the court that the stolen items included a deep fryer valued at GHC1,500, a Bluetooth speaker worth GHC3,423, 21 trumpet mouthpieces valued at GHC6,820, a perfume worth GHC586, and six tins of sardines valued at GHC200. The items belonged to Veronica Owusu Boateng, an emergency medical professional at the 37 Military Hospital who resides at the Teshie Barracks.
The theft occurred on February 15, 2026, during a church service. After congregants reported that the trumpet mouthpieces were missing, the complainant checked her room and discovered other items had also been taken. CCTV footage from the church captured Amanda entering the room during the service and leaving with bags containing the stolen goods.
Police later arrested her on February 17 after she was spotted in the neighbourhood. Only the deep fryer and Bluetooth speaker were retrieved. In her caution statement, Amanda admitted to the offence, stating she had used some of the items and discarded the trumpet mouthpieces.
Despite pleading for leniency and asking for time due to preparations for an upcoming family ceremony, the court proceeded with sentencing. The trial judge advised her to take advantage of rehabilitation programmes within the Ghana Prisons Service and use the opportunity to reform, particularly in light of her responsibility as a mother.
