Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Robbery at Manso Akwasiso

A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour by the Bekwai Circuit Court for his involvement in a robbery attack at a mining site at Manso Akwasiso in the Ashanti South Region.

The convict, Dominic Ofori, popularly known as “Fanta,” was arrested on February 16, 2026, after reportedly evading arrest for several years. He pleaded guilty before the court to robbery, contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Following his plea, the court handed him a 25-year custodial sentence with hard labour.

Background of the Incident

According to police reports, on March 20, 2022, the Manso Adubia District Police received intelligence indicating that a group of armed men from Manso Abodom were planning an attack on a mining site at Manso Akwasiso. The suspects allegedly intended to rob the site owner of gold concentrate.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the police organized a coordinated operation and mounted surveillance at the mining location, setting up an ambush in anticipation of the attack.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. that same day, four armed men arrived at the site and reportedly fired indiscriminately before robbing miners of gold concentrate. Police officers stationed at the scene intervened, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the suspects and the security team.

Casualties and Arrest

During the confrontation, three suspects identified as Abu Abubakar, Musah Latif, and Gideon Takyi sustained gunshot wounds. They were later pronounced dead on arrival at St. Martins Catholic Hospital at Agroyesum.

Dominic Ofori managed to escape from the scene at the time but was later tracked down and arrested in February 2026. He was subsequently arraigned before the Bekwai Circuit Court, where he admitted to the offence.

Police Assurance

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring that individuals involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.

Authorities also encouraged the public to continue supporting law enforcement agencies with credible information to help maintain peace and security within communities.