Chief of Asante Akyem District Sentenced for Embezzling $150,000
The chief of Banka, a farming community in the Asante Akyem District, has been sentenced to three months in prison and fined for embezzling $150,000 from community funds.
Osabarima Twiampomah III, aged 65, was convicted by the Accra High Court on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Justice Comfort K. Tasiame oversaw the case, which followed a comprehensive investigation into his financial misconduct.
The investigation revealed that Twiampomah III had misappropriated $150,000 provided by Gulf Coast Resources Company Ltd., a gold mining firm fulfilling its corporate social responsibility.
In addition to the prison term, Twiampomah III was fined 2,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢24,000. If he fails to pay the fine, he faces an additional five years in prison.
The chief had initially denied receiving the funds intended for a ten-year community development plan. However, he later admitted to receiving the money when he spoke to Chief Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin of Akyem Abuakwa in November 2021.
Charged under section 124 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960, Act 29, Twiampomah III pleaded not guilty. Despite his plea, State Attorney Watkins Adamah presented three witnesses who testified against him.
Following the prosecution’s case, which concluded on December 19, 2023, the court granted the accused’s request to submit no case to answer. On February 20, 2024, the court ruled that sufficient evidence was presented to warrant a defense.
The trial ended on May 7, 2024, with Twiampomah III testifying in his defense and Prof. Kwame Gyan Esq. as his sole witness. Despite their efforts, the evidence led to his conviction, highlighting a crucial move toward greater accountability and transparency in local governance.
