Man steals communion bowl from Catholic Cathedral

A 20-year-old daring thief, Thomas Ayamga, has been hauled before a Sunyani Circuit Court for allegedly having the nerves to enter the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Sunyani to steal the bowl containing holy communion or eucharist (wafers) and a chalice (or a standing cup that contains sacramental or communion wine).

In addition to this abominable act, the accused is also alleged to have stolen a 55-inch and a 65- inch NASCO television sets during his daring stealing spree on Friday, March 27, 2020 at the Cathedral located at Area 4, a suburb of Sunyani.

Ayamga, a resident of Old Abesim in the Sunyani Municipality has been slapped with unlawful entry contrary to Section 152 of the Criminal and other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 129) and stealing, contrary to Section 124 (1) of the Criminal and other Offences Act (Act 129) charges.

The accused, who appeared before the court on August 14, 2020, pleaded not guilty and was remanded in police custody to reappear on Tuesday, August 25, 2020.

The prosecutor, Superintendent Joseph Apaloo, told the court, presided over by Justice Sylvester Nii Okine, that Ayamga entered the Cathedral about 6.30 am on March 27, 2020 to steal the items all valued at GH¢5,400.00.

According to him, when a report was made to the police about the theft, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) conducted thorough investigations and arrested the accused about 3.20 pm on August 7, 2020.

Supt. Apaloo said when a search was conducted in Ayamga's room, the communion bowl with the wafers and other missing items of the Christ the King Cathedral were found.

He said during interrogation, the accused could not explain how he came by the items.
"After the necessary investigations, the accused person was charged with the offences", he added.