The Bekwai Circuit Court has sentenced a 33-year-old miner, Dominic Ofori, popularly known as “Fanta,” to 25 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for robbery.
Presiding judge His Honour Isaac Appiatu handed down the sentence after the court found Ofori guilty of his role in a robbery at Manso Akwasiso.
Speaking to Adom News, DSP Bright Acheampong, Staff Officer at the Ashanti South Regional Police Command, said Ofori was part of a four-member gang that attacked a miner, Kwaku Abonce, on March 20, 2022. The group reportedly attempted to rob the victim of gold concentrate valued at GH¢30,000.
Police said three members of the gang — Abu Abubakar, Musa Latif and Gideon Takyi — were shot and killed during a police operation shortly after the incident. Ofori, however, escaped and went into hiding until his recent arrest.
DSP Acheampong further disclosed that Ofori may face additional prosecution over other alleged offences, including his suspected involvement in the killing of a police corporal in the Manso area about 10 years ago.
He cautioned young people against engaging in criminal activities and urged them to pursue lawful and productive livelihoods.
Police say the conviction forms part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on armed robbery and strengthen security in mining communities across the Ashanti Region.
