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The Akim Swedru Circuit Court in the Eastern Region, has imposed a fine of GHC600 on Yaw Marfo, an ex-convict for attempting to steal two bags of cocoa beans, estimated at GHC700.

Marfo, who is also a farmer, will serve 18 months in prison term if he fails to pay the fine.

Isaac Kwame, an accomplice is on the run.

Briefing the court, presided over by Mr Emmanuel Brew, Police Inspector Richard K. Sallah stated that the complainant is a member of a newly formed watchdog committee at Boso Villa, whilst Marfo lives at Akokoaso in the Akyemansa District.

Inspector Sallah said the watchdog committee was formed when people in the community started experiencing rampant stealing of their cocoa beans.

He said barely three months after the formation of the committee, while the complainant and other committee members were on duty on February 9, this year at about 0130 hours they spotted Marfo and Kwame in the complainant’s house.

Inspector Sallah said the ex-convict and his accomplice were carrying two cocoa sacks ready to fill it with the beans and when they saw the committee members, they took to their heels. They were pursued and Marfo was arrested and handed over to the police.