- Benjamin Awal and Kwame Mumuni, remanded for robbery and illegal possession of military uniforms in Tarkwa
- The suspects, dressed as soldiers, extorted money and seized mobile phones from victims
- Military uniforms used in the crime were recovered, and GH¢1,145.00 was found on the accused
The Tarkwa Circuit Court has remanded two individuals into custody for conspiracy to commit a crime, robbery, and unlawful possession of military uniforms.
Benjamin Awal, 29, an illegal miner, and Kwame Mumuni, 31, a farmer, both from Wassa Simpa and Mile 7 respectively, were not asked to enter a plea.
Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Samuel Ahiaboc informed the court, presided over by Hathia Ama Manu, that the complainants—Abudu Boamah, Naa Evans, and Bernard Tawiah—are illegal miners and a laborer residing in Wangarakrom, Mile 7, and Badukrom in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
ASP Ahiaboc stated that on March 27, 2025, at around 7:00 p.m., the accused, dressed in military uniforms over civilian pants—Mumuni also wearing a face mask—set out to rob. Armed with cutlasses and clubs, they were joined by an accomplice who is still at large.
The group blocked a road at Wangarakrom, leading to illegal mining sites, using Awal’s unregistered Suzuki motorbike. When the complainants and their workers arrived, the accused stopped them, falsely claiming to be soldiers on a special operation against illegal miners.
The suspects then demanded GH¢1,000 from each complainant. When Tawiah and his team attempted to leave, the accused threatened them with a firearm, seized their mobile phones, and extorted GH¢600, GH¢150, and GH¢500 from the three complainants.
Tawiah, who had no money on him, called his employer, who transferred funds to his mobile account. Tawiah then sent the money to Awal’s account. Once the accused received the money, they returned the victims’ mobile phones and allowed them to leave.
The complainants later shared their experience with local residents, prompting the youth to block the road. Awal and Mumuni were apprehended while their accomplice managed to escape.
The suspects were taken to Mumuni’s residence, where the military uniforms used in the robbery were recovered. They were then handed over to the Tarkwa police, along with the seized items.
Further investigation led to the recovery of GH¢1,145.00 from the accused. They have since been charged with the offenses.
The case has been adjourned to April 23, 2025.
