The Ashanti South Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime following the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of suspects linked to a high-value gold robbery at Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.

The incident, in which gold and cash valued at approximately GH¢2.29 million were stolen, occurred on April 3, 2026. It has since led to the conviction of two suspects, while a third remains in custody assisting ongoing investigations.

ACP Cephas Arthur made the remarks during a press conference held today at the conference room of the Ashanti Regional Command, where he briefed the media on the progress of investigations and prosecution.

He disclosed that the victim, Abdul Malik Yahaya, was attacked while returning home on a motorbike along the Obuasi–Asonkore road.

According to police investigations, two suspects on board a tricycle, popularly known as a “Pragya”, deliberately rammed into the victim, causing him to fall and sustain injuries.

The attackers then made away with gold valued at GH¢1.75 million and an additional GH¢540,000 in cash.

Following swift intelligence-led operations, police arrested four suspects on 8 April 2026. The suspects were identified as Rashid Adams (19), Godfred Ampadu (19), and Dominic Naazie (23), among others linked to the case.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Rashid Adams allegedly drove the tricycle used to carry out the robbery, while Godfred Ampadu actively participated in the attack and theft.

In a major breakthrough, the suspects later led police investigators to a bush where the stolen gold had been concealed under a cement block.

Officers also retrieved a vehicle believed to have been purchased with proceeds from the robbery, raising suspicions of organised criminal activity.

Further investigations indicated that Dominic Naazie, an employee of the victim, allegedly played an insider role by providing critical information that facilitated the planning and execution of the crime.

The suspects were subsequently arraigned before the Bekwai Circuit Court on charges including robbery and conspiracy to commit crime.

Two of the accused persons pleaded guilty and were convicted on their own plea. Rashid Adams was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment for robbery and 20 years for conspiracy, while Godfred Ampadu received 25 years for robbery and 20 years for conspiracy. The sentences are to run concurrently.

However, the third accused person, Dominic Naazie, pleaded not guilty and has been remanded into custody. He is expected to reappear before the court on 24 April 2026.

Speaking after the proceedings, ACP Cephas Arthur commended the officers involved in the operation and praised their professionalism and commitment to duty.

ACP Cephas Arthur reiterated the command’s resolve to ensure safety and security across the region and urged the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to help combat crime effectively.

He also delivered a strong assurance on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, stating that the police remain committed to protecting citizens in their daily activities.

He emphasised that policing is a shared responsibility and encouraged closer collaboration between the public and the police service.

"Anytime we overcome criminals, we call and show how it is for the people we are serving to see the kind of work we are doing for them to believe in the work of police.

"Today, God being so good, he has uncover some people for us to arrested them. And these people they are three including Rashid Adams, Godfred Ampadu, and Dominic Naazie," he said.