A 45-year-old salesman, Samuel Kwasi Hlo, is facing trial at the Dansoman Circuit Court for allegedly stealing auto parts and cash worth GH¢155,904 from his employer, Auto Avenue Enterprise.
The court, presided over by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, granted the accused bail in the sum of GH¢300,000 with strict conditions, including three sureties, two of whom must be public servants earning not less than GH¢5,000 and residing within the court’s jurisdiction.
Additionally, one surety must justify the bail amount with immovable property of equal value.
The accused was ordered to deposit his Ghana Card at the court registry and report once every week.
The case has been adjourned to March 7, 2025.
According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Kwadwo Aboagye, the complainant, Makella Amevenu, Managing Director of Auto Avenue Enterprise, discovered financial discrepancies after an internal audit covering the period from January 4, 2021, to October 31, 2023.
The audit revealed that auto parts valued at GH¢111,591.40, which had been issued to Hlo for sale, were unaccounted for.
Additionally, cash payments totaling GH¢44,313.50 received by the accused from customers had also gone missing.
The investigation revealed that in 2023, without the consent of management, Hlo introduced his son to the company and allowed him to work there. This led to a dispute with the company’s driver and eventually resulted in Hlo’s suspension.
Following his suspension, management decided to conduct an audit, which exposed the alleged financial misconduct.
Hlo was arrested on February 9, 2024, and handed over to the Dansoman Police. He was granted police bail with the condition to reconcile the missing funds with management.
However, instead of complying, he absconded, prompting the police to issue a forfeiture notice to his surety.
After being on the run for months, Hlo was finally produced by his surety on February 6, 2025, and re-arrested.
After police investigations, he was charged with two counts of stealing, contrary to Section 124 (1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and arraigned before the Dansoman Circuit Court.
During his court appearance, the judge imposed stringent bail conditions, emphasizing the gravity of the charges.
The prosecution has been directed to file disclosures and witness statements before the next hearing.
