2 remanded over robbery, unlawful possession of military attire

The Tarkwa Circuit Court has remanded two men into custody. They are charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of military uniforms without permission.

Benjamin Awal, 29, is an illegal miner. His partner, Kwame Mumuni, 31, is a farmer. They live in Wassa Simpa and Mile 7.

Their pleas were not taken during the court session.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Samuel Ahiaboc prosecuted the case. He told the court that the complainants are Abudu Boamah, Naa Evans, and Bernard Tawiah. They are illegal miners and a laborer from Wangarakrom, Mile 7, and Badukrom.

On March 27, 2025, around 7 PM, the accused planned a robbery. They wore military uniforms over civilian clothes. Mumuni also wore a face mask.

The prosecution said they carried cutlasses and clubs. The accused blocked a road at Wangarakrom with Awal’s unregistered Suzuki motorbike. This road led to illegal mining sites used by the complainants.

When the complainants arrived, the accused stopped them. They claimed to be soldiers on a special operation against illegal miners.

The accused demanded GH¢1,000 from each complainant. Tawiah and his workers tried to leave but were threatened with gunfire if they moved further.

The accused seized their mobile phones out of fear. The complainants negotiated and paid GH¢600, GH¢150, and GH¢500 in total. Tawiah did not have cash on him; he called his boss for help.

His boss transferred money to his mobile account. Tawiah then sent this money to Awal's account before getting their phones back.

After collecting GH¢1,250 from the complainants, the accused left for Mumuni’s house to change clothes.

Later, the complainants informed local residents about their ordeal with the accused persons.

The youth mobilized themselves and blocked the road to catch Awal and Mumuni while another accomplice escaped.

They took both men back to Mumuni’s house where they found military uniforms worn during the robbery. The two were handed over to Tarkwa police along with evidence collected.

ASP Ahiaboc reported that investigators recovered GH¢1,145 from them afterward. Both men have been charged with multiple offenses.

They are scheduled to return to court on April 23, 2025.