The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has secured the conviction and sentencing of two men for robbery and related offences following a comprehensive investigation and successful prosecution at the Bekwai Circuit Court.
The convicts, identified as Francis Oppong, also known as Kwame Abuu, a resident of Kyekyewere near Obuasi, and Francis Nyamekye, alias Amearo, were found guilty after a full trial. Both were initially arraigned before the Bekwai Circuit Court on 30 January 2024, facing charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, aiding and abetting robbery, and robbery contrary to Sections 23(1), 20(1), and 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
On 5 January 2026, His Honour Mr Isaac Appeatu Esq. presiding over the case, handed down sentences of fifteen years with hard labour for Oppong and twenty-five years with hard labour for Nyamekye. Both convicts have since been transferred to Kumasi Central Prison to commence their sentences.
The convictions relate to a robbery that occurred on 16 December 2023 at Kyekyewere, targeting a small-scale miner. Investigations revealed that Oppong, residing in the same community as the victim, had monitored the miner’s movements and relayed intelligence to the robbery gang, which included accomplices who remain at large.
During the attack, the victim sustained injuries while the robbers absconded with a pump-action gun, a Huawei mobile phone valued at GH¢1,200, eighteen pounds of gold worth approximately GH¢100,000, and GH¢2,000 in cash.
Further police intelligence led to the arrest of Nyamekye at a private hospital in Obuasi, where he was receiving medical treatment for gunshot wounds sustained during a separate failed robbery attempt.
The Ashanti South Regional Police emphasised that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accomplices involved in the incident. Officials highlighted the convictions as a demonstration of law enforcement’s commitment to ensuring justice and deterring violent crime in the region.
“Robbery and violent crimes will not be tolerated in our jurisdiction,” a police spokesperson said. “We remain dedicated to bringing all perpetrators to justice and safeguarding the lives and property of residents.”
The successful prosecution underscores the importance of community intelligence and thorough investigative procedures in tackling organised criminal activity in the Ashanti Region.