The Assin Kyekyewere Circuit Court has acquitted and discharged three men who were facing trial for attempted robbery, following a ruling by Her Honour Dora G.A. Nkumsah Eshun that upheld a submission of “no case to answer.”
The court found that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against the accused. Consequently, Her Honour ruled that the evidence presented lacked the necessary probative value to justify requiring the defendants to open a defense.
The three men, Godwin Kwabena Mensah (28), Kwadwo Frimpong (20), and Kwabena Antwi (30), were arrested following an intelligence-led operation by the Central North Regional Police Command.
They were accused of participating in an armed robbery that occurred in the early hours of June 25, 2025, at Assin Ntow-Krom, located in the Assin North District.
According to initial police reports, a five-man gang attacked the residence of a gold buyer and a farmer around 1:00 a.m. The perpetrators were reportedly armed with machetes and a three-barrelled pump-action gun.
During the incident, a victim, Kwabena Amos, sustained severe injuries, including a machete wound and significant facial trauma caused by being struck with the butt of a gun, which resulted in critical damage to his right eye.
His brother, Richard Kumah, managed to escape without injury.
Investigators had alleged that the suspects conducted surveillance on the community by posing as job seekers prior to the attack.
After the prosecution concluded its case, the defense counsel filed a submission of no case to answer. Upon review, the court determined that the state had not met the burden of proof required to proceed with the trial, leading to the immediate acquittal and discharge of all three defendants.
The ruling has drawn criticism from the victims and their families, who have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the outcome. They have signaled their intention to petition the Attorney-General, urging a review of the case to seek further legal action and justice for the attack.
Source: Samuel Alfred Amoh
