Elmina, April 18, GNA- The Elmina District Court has imposed a 10 million-cedi fine on a 30-year old farmer, Vincent Avi, for stealing and causing damage to a spraying machine.

Avi, who pleaded guilty to stealing and not guilty for causing damage would be gaoled for two years in default. The court presided over by Mr Beresford Acquah also granted the accused 10 million cedis bail on the second charge and would reappear on June 17.

Prosecuting, Police Inspector Joshua Eduful told the court that the complainant, Mr Raphael Fosu, a supervisor of the mass cocoa spraying unit of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture had a tip-off that Ayi who had been engaged as a sprayer stole the spraying machine last January, which he moulded into a cassava grinding machine. Inspector Eduful said a report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the accused.

Passing sentence, Mr Acquah expressed concern about the unpatriotic attitude of some Ghanaians, whom he said would go all lengths to "deprive the masses of their privileges without regret".