The Bekwai Circuit Court in the Ashanti Region has sentenced two men to a total of 95 years in prison for their involvement in a robbery involving gold and cash worth approximately GH¢2.29 million that took place on April 3, 2026.
The convicts, Rashid Adams, received 30 years’ imprisonment for robbery and 20 years for conspiracy, while Godfred Ampadu was sentenced to 25 years for robbery and 20 years for conspiracy.
This was after the accused persons pleaded guilty and were convicted on their own plea. The sentences are to run concurrently.
A third suspect, Dominic Naazie, pleaded not guilty and has been remanded in custody. He is expected to reappear before the court on April 24, 2026.
Facts
According to police investigations, two suspects on board a tricycle, commonly known as a “Pragya” deliberately rammed into the victim, Abdul Malik Yahaya, while he was returning home on a motorbike along the Obuasi-Asonkore road, causing him to fall and sustain injuries.
The attackers then fled with gold valued at GH¢1.75 million and an additional GH¢540,000 in cash.
Following swift intelligence-led operations, police arrested four suspects on 8 April 2026. Among those named in connection with the case were Rashid Adams (19), Godfred Ampadu (19), and Dominic Naazie (23), among others.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Rashid Adams allegedly drove the tricycle used to carry out the robbery, while Godfred Ampadu took part in both the assault and the theft.
In a breakthrough, the suspects led officers to a bush where the stolen gold had been concealed under a cement block.
Police also recovered a vehicle believed to have been purchased using proceeds from the robbery, raising suspicions of organised criminal activity.
Further investigations indicated that Dominic Naazie, an employee of the victim, allegedly played an insider role by providing key information that enabled the planning and execution of the crime.
The suspects were later arraigned before the Bekwai Circuit Court on charges including robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Fight against violent crime
Briefing the media on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, ACP Cephas Arthur, commended the officers involved in the operation and praised their professionalism and commitment to duty.
He reiterated the command’s resolve to ensure safety and security across the region and urged the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to help combat crime effectively.
He also delivered a strong assurance on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, stating that the police remain committed to protecting citizens in their daily activities.
He emphasised that policing is a shared responsibility and called for closer collaboration between the public and the police service.
“Anytime we overcome criminals, we call and show how it is for the people we are serving to see the kind of work we are doing for them to believe in the work of the police.
“Today, God being so good, he has uncovered some people for us to arrest. And these people are three, including Rashid Adams, Godfred Ampadu, and Dominic Naazie,” he said.
