Proceedings at the Kwadaso Circuit Court in Kumasi took a light tone on Thursday when the presiding judge, His Honour Jephtha Appau, jokingly asked whether the court was engaged in the sale of tomatoes.

The comment followed a request by a 26-year-old man accused of stealing a police armoured vehicle, who asked the court to reduce his bail conditions.

The accused, Ebenezer Frimpong, a native of Antwi Agyeikrom in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region, is standing trial over the alleged theft of a police armoured vehicle at Nkawie in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality.

He has been in police custody on remand since his arrest on April 15, 2026.

At Thursday’s hearing, the court granted him bail in the sum of GH¢50,000 with one surety who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed with a net monthly income of at least GH¢2,500.

The surety is also required to justify the bail with movable or immovable property equivalent to the stated amount.

After the bail conditions were explained to him in Twi, Frimpong appealed for a reduction in the terms, a request that prompted the judge’s response, which drew laughter in the courtroom.

“Do we sell tomatoes here?” His Honour Jephtha Appau asked, indicating that bail conditions could not be negotiated like a marketplace transaction.

The court also inquired whether the accused had a valid driver’s licence, and he responded in the affirmative.

Police prosecutor ASP Albert Asagre informed the court that investigators were still awaiting a psychiatric report from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

The court had previously ordered a psychiatric evaluation on May 5, 2026, but the report is yet to be submitted.

The case has been adjourned to July 3, 2026, for further hearing. The psychiatric report is expected to inform the next stage of proceedings.