An Accra Circuit Court on Tuesday sentenced 24-year-old Mawuena Tamakloe to 12 months imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to unlawfully entering and stealing a 50-inch television valued at GH¢8,900 from the Church of Pentecost (COP) Whistler Barracks Worship Centre inside the Teshie Military Barracks.
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Clemence Takyi, revealed that Mawuena, an unemployed resident of Tema Community 2, was caught on May 15, 2025, by military officers carrying the TV outside the barracks.
After interrogation and a negative pregnancy test, Mawuena attempted to flee but was apprehended following a rider’s pursuit.
The presiding judge, Mrs. Susan Edufful, considered Mawuena’s age, first-time offence status, and plea for leniency before handing down the sentence. The court withdrew an additional charge of causing unlawful damage to church property after Mawuena’s explanation.
Mawuena admitted to stealing the TV from the pastor’s office after damaging the inner wooden door, according to her caution statement.
The case has sparked debate on security lapses within the military facility and the effectiveness of local law enforcement in curbing crime inside sensitive premises.
