Richard Asare, an orphan from Tutu Akuapem and a Junior High School (JHS) 3 student, was convicted for stealing a sheep.
He claims he committed the act out of desperation, intending to sell the sheep to buy a school bag, shoes, and other items needed for his education.
Life has been particularly harsh for Richard. He lost his father when he was just 11 years old, and his mother passed away earlier this year, leaving him without any parental support.
Struggling to make ends meet and determined to continue his education, he resorted to theft a decision that has now landed him in prison.
In an emotional interview with the Executive Director of Crime Check Foundation, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, Richard Asare shared the severe challenges he has faced since losing both parents.
In a bid to also address the often-overlooked mental health needs of prisoners, Crime Check Foundation (CCF) has launched a pioneering project to bring psychosocial support and arts therapy to correctional facilities across Ghana.
The project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2024 and will include the development of a documentary, psychosocial support and arts therapy documents, and media awareness programs to increase action from government institutions, CSOs, and other actors to further improve psychosocial support for inmates.
The sad story of 18-year old Richard Asare, who is currently serving a 6months sentence at the Koforidua Local Prison, after being been convicted for the theft of a sheep.
Richard, an orphan and a JHS 3 student claimed he committed the act in a bid to use the proceeds to buy… pic.twitter.com/OJZcX77q19
— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) December 28, 2024
