The Bekwai Circuit Court has sentenced two men to a combined 40 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for their roles in a violent robbery at Kyekyewere near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.
The convicts, Francis Oppong, alias Kwame Abuu, a resident of Kyekyewere, and Francis Nyamekye, alias Amearo, were found guilty after a full trial on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, aiding and abetment of robbery, and robbery, contrary to Sections 23(1), 20(1), and 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
Presiding Judge, His Honour Mr Isaac Appeatu Esq., on 5th January 2026, handed Oppong a 15-year sentence and Nyamekye 25 years. Both have since been transferred to the Kumasi Central Prison to begin their terms.
Background of the Case
The convictions stem from an incident on 16th December 2023, when a small-scale miner at Kyekyewere was attacked in his residence and mining site. Investigations revealed that Oppong, who lived in the same community, monitored the victim’s movements and passed information to the robbery gang.
During the attack, the victim was assaulted and sustained injuries. The robbers made away with a pump action gun, a Huawei mobile phone valued at GH¢1,200, eighteen pounds of gold worth about GH¢100,000, and cash of GH¢2,000.
Nyamekye was later arrested at a private hospital in Obuasi, where he was receiving treatment for gunshot wounds sustained during a failed robbery attempt.
Police Response
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command, which led the investigations, has described the conviction as a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime in the area. Police say efforts are underway to apprehend other accomplices who remain at large.
Leave a Reply