The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has secured the conviction and sentencing of two robbery suspects following investigations and prosecution at the Bekwai Circuit Court.

The convicts, identified as Francis Oppong, also known as Kwame Abuu, a resident of Kyekyewere near Obuasi, and Francis Nyamekye, also known as Amearo, were found guilty after a full trial.

According to a statement from the Ghana Police Service (GPS), the two were first arraigned before the Bekwai Circuit Court on January 30, 2024, on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, aiding and abetment of robbery, and robbery, contrary to Sections 23(1), 20(1), and 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

On January 5, 2026, the court, presided over by Judge Isaac Appeatu ESQ, convicted the accused persons.

Francis Oppong was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment with hard labour, while Francis Nyamekye received a 25-year sentence with hard labour.

Both convicts have since been transferred to the Kumasi Central Prison to begin serving their sentences.

The convictions relate to a robbery incident that occurred on December 16, 2023, at Kyekyewere near Obuasi, involving a small-scale miner. Police investigations established that the two, together with accomplices who are still at large, planned and carried out the robbery at the victim’s residence and mining site.

The police revealed that Francis Oppong, who lived in the same area as the complainant, monitored the victim’s movements and relayed information to the robbery gang. During the attack, the victim was assaulted and sustained injuries, while the suspects made away with a pump action gun, a Huawei mobile phone valued at GH¢1,200, 18 pounds of gold valued at approximately GH¢100,000, and cash amounting to GH¢2,000. 

Further intelligence later led to the arrest of Francis Nyamekye at a private hospital in Obuasi, where he had gone to seek medical treatment after sustaining gunshot wounds during a failed robbery attempt.

The police stated that investigations led to the successful prosecution of the two convicts, adding that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining accomplices to face justice.