In a landmark ruling, the Tarkwa Circuit Court has sentenced two retired soldiers and nine others to a total of 252 years of imprisonment with hard labor for robbing a gold-buying company in Wassa Akropong. The incident, which occurred in 2018, led to their conviction on charges of conspiracy and robbery.
Emmanuel Tetteh, alias ‘Rocky Study’, a retired soldier currently working as a private security officer, and Samuel Agbadoku, an unemployed former soldier, were among those convicted. They were sentenced alongside Isaac Adjei, also a private security officer, Frank Afavi, alias ‘Hero’ and a fetish priest, Yaw Adzevi, a kente weaver, and Anthony Ayivie Kwame Senyo, alias ‘Shoto’ and a driver. Each received a 17-year prison term.
Other convicts include Pascal Korku Atatsitsey, alias ‘Mezaya’, and Dodzi Awali, both fetish priests, Dickson Kumedzro, alias ‘Jaggar’ and a farmer, and Ruben Kportufe, alias ‘Offei’ and a self-proclaimed businessman. They were each handed 25-year sentences. Mohammed Buzu, alias ‘Meme’ and an ex-convict, received the heaviest sentence of 50 years.
Despite denying the charges and pleading for leniency from the presiding judge, Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu, the court sided with the prosecution. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Isaac Babayi urged the court to impose severe punishments to deter similar crimes.
“These offenders do not deserve mercy from the court,” he argued.
The case began in September 2018 when Isaac Adjei, a security guard at AU Resources Ghana Limited, a gold dealership, conspired with Emmanuel Tetteh. Adjei informed Tetteh about the substantial amount of refined gold at his workplace, suggesting a robbery for personal gain. Tetteh contacted his former military ally, Samuel Agbadoku, to organize the heist. Agbadoku recruited Pascal Korku Atatsitsey, a fetish priest, who then brought in Frank Afavi, another fetish priest, to join the operation.
The remaining convicts, who hail from various locations including Saki, a suburb of Ashaiman, Klikor, Weta, Agbozume, Aflao, and Sogakope in the Greater Accra and Volta Regions, played different roles in the robbery.
The complainant, Mr. Prince Dennis, the Wassa Akropong branch manager of AU Resources Ghana Limited, and Adjei, who was part of the conspiracy, were central figures in the case.
This sentencing serves as a stern warning against criminal activities, particularly in the gold-rich regions of Ghana. The court’s decision underscores the commitment to upholding justice and deterring future crimes.
