A 28-year-old civilian employee of the Ghana Police Service, Joseph Adinkra, has been remanded into police custody for two weeks by the Wenchi Magistrate Court. Adinkra, a cleaner at the Wenchi Police Station, stands accused of stealing an AK-47 service rifle.
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The incident occurred on January 3, 2025, at approximately 5:20 a.m. According to Detective Inspector John Agyare, the prosecutor, a police officer had returned the rifle (serial number AE 405323) to the charge office after a night patrol. The weapon, duly recorded, was stored under the counter.
Adinkra, who arrived to begin his cleaning duties, allegedly took advantage of a brief absence by the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) and station orderly. He reportedly stole the rifle and a loaded SMG magazine containing 30 rounds of ammunition, valued at GH¢52,834.99.
The prosecutor stated that Adinkra concealed the weapon, passed unnoticed by duty officers, and hid it in an old brown Ecola bag within a tricycle parked nearby. He then completed his cleaning duties before the theft was discovered.
At approximately 5:40 a.m., the station armourer discovered the missing rifle and magazine. Chief Inspector Seth Agyei, the station officer and complainant, immediately filed a report.
During the investigation, Adinkra initially denied involvement but subsequently confessed and led investigators to the tricycle where the rifle and ammunition were recovered. In his caution statement, he admitted to being promised GH¢7,000 by a friend for procuring the weapon for illegal mining activities.
The prosecutor highlighted the seriousness of the offense, emphasizing that investigations are ongoing to identify the intended buyer of the stolen weapon. The case has been adjourned to January 21, 2025, for further proceedings. Adinkra remains in custody.
