After months of torment that left farmers counting losses and goats vanishing in the dead of night, the notorious livestock thief Yaw Joseph has been arrested red-handed, sparking wild celebrations across the farming community.
Residents woke to jubilant scenes on Monday, November 17, 2025, when the suspect was caught in the act while attempting to steal yet another goat from a kraal in the heart of New Market.
Eyewitnesses say Joseph was overpowered by angry youth who had mounted night patrols after losing dozens of animals to the same culprit.
“Goats are our savings, our school fees, our everything,” said one relieved farmer, Madam Esi Mensah. “Today we can sleep without tying dogs to every post!”
For months, Twifo Tenewaaso had been gripped by fear as goats mysteriously disappeared, often under the cover of darkness. Victims reported waking up to empty pens, with footprints and cut ropes pointing to a lone, daring thief. Community meetings became heated, with some farmers threatening to take the law into their own hands.
The breakthrough came when a vigilant resident spotted Joseph sneaking toward a kraal around 2:00 a.m. An alarm was raised, and within minutes a mob descended on the thief, tying him with ropes until police from Twifo Praso arrived to effect the formal arrest.
Nana Amoabeng Kotooko, reporting for 7DSG TV, captured the moment residents sang, danced, and slaughtered a chicken in celebration — a traditional gesture of thanksgiving for restored peace.
Community leaders have hailed the arrest as a victory for collective vigilance and urged the police to ensure swift prosecution.
“Let him face the full rigours of the law so others will learn,” said Nana Kweku Essien III, chief of Tenewaaso New Market. “Our goats are safe again!”
The suspect, Yaw Joseph, believed to be in his late 20s and from a nearby village, is currently in custody at Twifo Praso Police Station. He is expected to be arraigned soon on multiple counts of theft.
As the sun set over Twifo Tenewaaso on Monday evening, bleats of goats echoed once more — this time not in panic, but in peace. For the first time in months, farmers say they will sleep soundly, knowing their prized animals are finally safe.
