In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Ghana Police Service, two serving officers have been remanded into custody by the Circuit Court in Accra following allegations of theft and abetment involving 16 CZ assault rifles. The accused officers, Lance Corporal William Atia Asitanga, 32, and Lance Corporal Sulemana Zanya Abdul-Rahman, 27, are at the center of an investigation into the disappearance of these firearms from the National Counter Terrorism Department's armoury.
The duo appeared before a differently constituted court after their initial remand by Her Ladyship Justice Evelyn Asamoah and Her Honour Susana Eduful. Both officers have pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them. Lance Corporal Asitanga faces charges of stealing, while Lance Corporal Abdul-Rahman is charged with abetment to steal.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Emmanuel Nyamekye, leading the prosecution, requested the court to keep the accused in custody, citing ongoing investigations. The court granted this request, emphasizing the need for thorough inquiries into the matter.
The alleged incident reportedly occurred in March 2024 at the National Counter Terrorism Department in Accra, where Lance Corporal Asitanga served as the armourer responsible for managing its cache of arms and ammunition. An internal audit conducted during that period uncovered the startling disappearance of 16 CZ assault rifles. Asitanga, who had sole control over the armoury, was unable to account for the missing weapons, prompting an internal probe.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Asitanga may have misappropriated the rifles. Further leads implicated Lance Corporal Abdul-Rahman, who was stationed at Asiwa in the Bekwai District of the Ashanti Region. Both officers are said to be cooperating with investigators as efforts continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding this breach of trust.
The case highlights a critical issue within law enforcement institutions—the safeguarding of arms and ammunition entrusted to personnel. This incident raises concerns about internal controls and accountability mechanisms within security agencies tasked with ensuring public safety.
The Ghana Police Service has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but it is expected that this case will prompt a review of procedures governing the storage and management of firearms. Public confidence in law enforcement relies heavily on transparency and accountability, and incidents like these can undermine trust if not addressed decisively.
The accused officers are scheduled to reappear before the court on September 27, 2025. As investigations unfold, all eyes will be on the proceedings to determine whether justice will be served and whether institutional measures will be implemented to prevent such occurrences in the future.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity within law enforcement agencies. The Ghana Police Service must act swiftly to restore public trust and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
