The Bekwai Circuit Court in the Ashanti Region convicted and sentenced two accused men to 20 years imprisonment each for robbery. Justice Kpakpo Mingle, a 31‑year‑old photographer, and Justice Mensah, a 29‑year‑old vulcanizer, both residents of Kasoa, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery and the robbery itself under the Criminal Offences Act 1960.
The crime took place on May 22, 2026, when the pair attacked a pickup carrying gold ore from Denkyei to Fomena. Wearing black and brown tactical uniforms, they forced the driver, George Osei Tutu, and his companions to surrender the ore, valued at GH¢165,000. The robbers were later apprehended in Kasoa after police traced them from evidence recovered at the scene, including a Ghana Card, Voters ID, Drivers Licence and a card for Nii Akpaloo Concepts.
During the investigation, both men confessed and named Festus Mensah, an excavator operator, as the mastermind who recruited them. Justice Mensah admitted receiving GH¢60,000 from the loot, part of which he deposited into his wife Sakinatu’s account and used the rest to settle debts and funeral expenses. Justice Mingle reported a similar split, buying an Apsonic Jungle motorbike and covering rent and other costs. The gold was later sold in Accra for GH¢151,000.
Police discovered that the accused were self‑styled security guards for Member of Parliament Naa Koryor of Awutu Senya East, having been issued with the tactical uniforms used in the robbery. The uniforms and the motorbike were seized and kept in police custody. Efforts continue to recover the pistol used in the attack and to apprehend the third accomplice, Festus Mensah, who remains at large.
The court’s decision means both men will serve their 20‑year sentences concurrently, with the judge emphasizing the seriousness of the offence and the need for deterrence.
