In Kumawu, Ashanti Region, the police have apprehended a man believed to be in his late 30s for allegedly stealing five mobile phones during a church service held as part of the final funeral rites for the late Member of Parliament, Hon Philip Atta Basoah, who represented the Kumawu Constituency.
The suspect, who has not been identified yet, was caught by the police red-handedly picking a smartphone from one of the mourners at the funeral. Mary Akuoko, one of the victims, stated in an interview that she witnessed the suspect holding her bag while struggling in the crowd to catch a glimpse of the late MP, who was lying in state. She became suspicious and checked her bag, only to discover that her two smartphones were missing.
Mary reported the incident to the police and pointed out the man. The police monitored his movements and observed him stealing another phone from someone else, confirming Mary’s suspicions. The suspect was subsequently arrested, and upon searching him, the police retrieved five phones, including the ones belonging to Mary.
The suspect is now in police custody, assisting with the ongoing investigations.
The late MP, Hon Philip Basoah, passed away on March 27, 2023. His funeral took place on Saturday, May 20, 2023, and was attended by a government delegation led by Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who expressed condolences to the grieving family. Other prominent individuals from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were also present at the funeral to mourn with the family.
