Man jailed for stealing GH¢60 medication

A young man, Opoku Afriyie, has recounted how his dream of becoming a mechanic was derailed after he was sentenced to prison for stealing medication worth GH¢60.

Speaking in an interview with Crime Check, Opoku revealed that he had been diagnosed with rheumatism and visited a pharmacy to purchase prescribed drugs. However, he did not have enough money to pay for the medication.

According to him, the situation took a desperate turn when the pharmacy attendant briefly stepped away to answer a phone call.

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“After the attendant had put the drugs on the counter, the attendant stepped backwards to receive a phone call, so I picked the drugs and left without paying,” he said.

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Opoku explained that although the medication cost GH¢60, he only had GH¢20 at the time. He added that his situation was worsened by family and financial difficulties, as his mother was on admission at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, leaving him with limited support.

He further disclosed that he was unemployed due to his health condition and had earlier expressed interest in learning a trade as a mechanic, but plans for an apprenticeship were repeatedly delayed.

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After using up the stolen medication, Opoku returned to the same pharmacy to purchase more. However, he was recognised by the attendant and subsequently arrested.

He was later convicted and sentenced to one year's imprisonment.