Ghanaian jailed in UK for processing 'koobi' from his residential flat

Stephen Akuoko was sentenced on Thursday 2 April at St Albans Crown Court for food safety offences. He pleaded guilty at St Albans Magistrates Court on 11 February. The judge imposed two consecutive 12-month custodial sentences, suspended for two years, and signed a prohibition order banning Mr. Akuoko from working in the food industry for five years. He awarded £2,500 in costs (payable within three years) to reflect the council's investigation.

The investigation into Mr. Akuoko began after cooked and smoked fish products traced back to him were found being sold in Watford town centre. Mr. Akuoko had been illegally processing fish products from his flat at 21 Lincoln Green Court, Haines Way, Watford, which is owned by Watford Community Housing (WCH). Environmental Health officers served Mr. Akuoko with a formal notice requiring him to cease production immediately, but he continued to supply products for sale and consumption by the public. The decision to prosecute was taken due to the seriousness of the breaches, Mr. Akuoko's lack of cooperation during the investigation, his flagrant disregard for the law, and the potential risk posed to public health.

Justine Hoy, Associate Director Housing and Wellbeing for Watford Borough Council, said: "Food safety laws exist to protect the public. In this case, there was a clear and sustained failure to comply with legal requirements, despite formal enforcement action being taken. We will not hesitate to take action where businesses or individuals put public health at risk. This successful prosecution demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high food safety standards across Watford." The council continues to work proactively with food businesses to ensure compliance with food hygiene regulations and to safeguard the health of residents and visitors.