The Tarkwa Circuit Court has remanded two individuals into prison custody for conspiracy to commit crime, robbery, and unlawful possession of military uniforms.
Benjamin Awal, 29, an illegal miner, and Kwame Mumuni, 31, a farmer, reside at Wassa Simpa and Mile 7, respectively. Their pleas were not taken.
Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Samuel Ahiaboc told the court, presided over by Hathia Ama Manu, that the complainants—Abudu Boamah, Naa Evans, and Bernard Tawiah—are illegal miners and a labourer residing in Wangarakrom, Mile 7, and Badukrom in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
According to ASP Ahiaboc, on March 27, 2025, at about 7:00 p.m., the accused persons, dressed in military uniforms worn over civilian trousers—with Mumuni also wearing a face mask—set out on a robbery mission. Armed with cutlasses and clubs, they were joined by an accomplice who is currently on the run.
The group blocked a branch road at Wangarakrom leading to illegal mining sites using Awal’s unregistered Suzuki motorbike. When the complainants and their workers arrived at the scene, the accused stopped them and falsely identified themselves as soldiers deployed for a special operation against illegal miners.
The accused then demanded GH¢1,000 from each complainant. When Tawiah and his team resisted and attempted to leave, the accused threatened to shoot them, seized their mobile phones, and extorted GH¢600, GH¢150, and GH¢500 from the three complainants, respectively.
Tawiah, who had no money on him at the time, called his employer, who transferred funds to his mobile money account. Tawiah then forwarded the money to Awal’s account. Only after receiving the money did the accused return the victims’ mobile phones and allow them to go.
The complainants later narrated their ordeal to some residents of Mile 7, prompting the youth to mobilise and block the road. Awal and Mumuni were apprehended while their accomplice escaped.
The suspects were taken to Mumuni’s residence, where the military uniforms used during the robbery were recovered. They were then handed over to the Tarkwa police along with the exhibits.
Investigations led to the recovery of GH¢1,145.00 from the accused persons. They have since been charged with the offences.
The case has been adjourned to April 23, 2025.
