Woman who stole church TV at Military barracks jailed 12 months

A 24-year-old woman has been sentenced to 12 months in prison. Mawuena Tamakloe stole a 50-inch TV at Teshie Military Barracks in Accra.

She pleaded guilty to unlawful entry and theft. The TV was valued at GH¢8,900. The court imposed a 12-month sentence for each charge.

Chief Inspector Clemence Takyi led the prosecution. A pregnancy test requested by the court returned negative for Mawuena.

After the test, Mawuena escaped while being taken back to the police station. She crossed a main road and got into a commercial vehicle and a taxi.

A rider helped catch her by chasing the vehicles she hid in. The judge advised Mawuena to reform while in prison.

Earlier, Chief Inspector Takyi asked to withdraw the charge of causing damage to church property. The court had previously entered a not guilty plea on that charge after Mawuena explained herself.

While sentencing, Judge Susan Edufful considered Mawuena's age and status as a first offender. She also noted Mawuena's plea for leniency and the value of the stolen item.

The complainant, Ebenezer Oppong Aboagye, is an Elder at COP Whistler Barracks Worship Centre. Mawuena is unemployed and lives in Tema Community 2.

On May 15, 2025, around 8:30 am, military officers saw Mawuena carrying the TV out of the barracks. The TV box had the church’s inscription on it.

When questioned by officers, her explanation was unsatisfactory. They handed her over to Military Police for further questioning.

During questioning, Mawuena confessed to stealing the TV from an office in the church auditorium. The complainant was informed, and she was taken with the TV to police custody.

Police visited the church with both Mawuena and the complainant. They found that the inner wooden door to the head pastor’s office had been damaged.

Mawuena admitted her offense in her caution statement during police interrogation.