In a judgment delivered by the Tarkwa Circuit Court, two men have been sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment each with hard labor for their involvement in a planned armed robbery along the Asankra Saah-Asankragwa Road in the Wassa Amenfi West Municipality of Ghana’s Western Region. The convicts, Mohammed Abdul Salam, aged 28, and Karim Yakubu, aged 42, both unemployed, faced charges of conspiracy, preparation to commit crime, and possession of arms and ammunition without proper authorization.
Details of the Case
The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Samuel Ahiabor, revealed that the complainant in the case was the Asankragwa Divisional Police Command. The convicts, natives of Savelugu and Tamale respectively, had initially claimed they traveled to Asankra Saah near Asankragwa with the intention of prospecting for gold. However, their plans took a criminal turn as they decided to engage in armed robbery instead.
On April 14, 2025, Salam and Yakubu armed themselves with a locally manufactured single-barrel shotgun and AAA live cartridges. They concealed themselves under a tree in the bush near the Asankra Saah-Asankragwa Road, awaiting an opportunity to rob unsuspecting commuters traveling along the route.
Police Intervention
The following day, on April 15, 2025, at approximately 3:10 a.m., the Asankragwa night patrol police team, while conducting routine patrols, spotted the two men seated on a tree stump in the bush. Upon noticing the armed officers approaching, Salam and Yakubu attempted to flee but were soon trapped in an abandoned mining pit filled with mud. The police officers promptly rescued and apprehended them.
A subsequent search conducted by the officers uncovered incriminating items. Salam was found in possession of a loaded locally manufactured single-barrel shotgun with one live AAA cartridge, while Yakubu had two additional live cartridges and a Nokia keypad mobile phone in his pocket. Further investigations revealed that Salam had provided the firearm and ammunition used for their planned operation.
Judicial Outcome
Both men pleaded guilty to all charges leveled against them. The Tarkwa Circuit Court, after reviewing the evidence presented by ASP Ahiabor and considering their admission of guilt, handed down a sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment with hard labor for each convict.
Implications
This case serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of engaging in criminal activities. The swift action by the Asankragwa Divisional Police Command highlights the importance of vigilant law enforcement in ensuring public safety and deterring crime. It also underscores the necessity for communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace and order.
The sentencing of Salam and Yakubu sends a clear message about Ghana’s commitment to upholding justice and protecting its citizens from harm. Their actions not only endangered lives but also disrupted societal peace—a transgression that warranted strict legal repercussions.
Conclusion
As communities continue to grapple with challenges posed by crime, proactive measures such as enhanced police patrols and public awareness campaigns remain critical. This case emphasizes that criminal activities will not go unpunished and reinforces confidence in Ghana’s judicial system. It is hoped that such rulings will deter others from engaging in similar unlawful acts while fostering a safer environment for all citizens.
-GNA
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
