By Joyce Danso
Accra, Nov. 5, GNA – A 51-year-old driver, Christian Kwaku Appiah, has been sentenced to four years in prison by an Accra Circuit Court for stealing a taxi during a test drive in Nungua.
In addition to his prison sentence, Appiah was fined GHC 2,400; failure to pay the fine would result in an additional 12 months of hard labor.
Initially pleading not guilty, Appiah later changed his plea to guilty during his court appearance before Judge Basilia Adjei-Tawiah, leading to his conviction.
Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu told the court that the complainant, Kwaku Darko, a pharmacist from Teshie-Nungua Estates, had advertised his Chevrolet taxi with registration number GT4443-16 for sale, placing his contact information on the vehicle.
On January 14, 2024, Appiah expressed interest in purchasing the taxi and requested a test drive before making any payment.
Darko arranged for his driver to accompany Appiah on the test drive, which took place near the Nungua Police Station.
While driving, Appiah falsely claimed that the vehicle was emitting too much smoke from the exhaust.
When the driver stepped out to investigate, Appiah seized the opportunity to jump into the driver’s seat and sped off with the taxi.
As he drove away, he insulted the driver, waving and saying, “Kwasia, Bye-bye,” which translates to “Foolish man goodbye.”
The prosecution reported that the witness quickly raised the alarm after Appiah drove off with the taxi.
With the assistance of other bystanders and the police, Appiah was apprehended two kilometers away in Nungua Addogono, along with the stolen vehicle.
At the police station, Appiah confessed to the crime during his caution statement.
He admitted to the officers that he had no money to buy the taxi.
GNA