Cape Coast, April 23, GNA - A Cape Coast Circuit Court on Tuesday remanded Kojo Awortwi 45, a mason from Yamoransa in police custody for allegedly stealing seven bags of cement for the construction of a police station at Yamoransa.

He pleaded not guilty and would re-appear on Monday, May 5. Police Chief Inspector Hope Azasoo, prosecuting told the court presided by Mr Richard Asiedu-Badu that, in October, 2007 Awortwi was among masons engaged for the construction of the police station. He said Awortwi had access to the store room where the building materials were kept.

Police Chief Inspector Azasoo said some few weeks after the commencement of the project, the contractor saw Awortwi moulding blocks at another site and enquired from him (Awortwi) where he had the cement due to the scarcity of the commodity. He said the contractor gave Awortwi GH¢35 to purchase five bags of cement, but he failed and this led to a confrontation between them.

The prosecutor said when the contractor took stock of building materials at the project site it was discovered that seven bags of cement had been stolen.

He said the matter was reported to the police and Awortwi was arrested and after investigations charged with the offence.