Speaking in an interview, Ahmed recounted the chain of events that led to his arrest and imprisonment.
“I went to steal cement from my boss and that led me here,” he said. “My master doesn’t pay me well. When we go to work, he only buys me food, but when they are paid, he doesn’t give me my money.”
According to Ahmed, he worked under the employer on construction jobs but claims he was routinely denied his share of wages after contracts were completed. He alleged that while other workers received payment, he was left out.
In a further claim, Ahmed accused his employer of also stealing materials from contractors and keeping them in a bag. He admitted that he sometimes took items from that stash.
The incident that resulted in his arrest reportedly occurred in the evening. Ahmed said he took a bag of cement, estimating it could be resold for between GH¢70 and GH¢80.
The case has sparked conversations online about labour exploitation, poverty, and the difficult choices some young people face when pushed to the margins.
While theft remains a crime under the law, many observers argue that the circumstances surrounding Ahmed’s claims raise troubling questions about worker treatment and vulnerability.
Legal analysts note that wage disputes should be resolved through lawful channels, but advocates are also calling for stronger enforcement of labour protections — particularly for persons living with disabilities who may face additional barriers in the workplace.
For Ahmed Mohammed, however, the debate comes too late. From behind bars, his words paint a picture not just of a crime — but of desperation, alleged exploitation, and a system that may have failed him long before he picked up that bag of cement.