Violent scenes erupted in Wassa Dompoase, Amenfi East Municipality, Western Region, as seven armed robbers stormed a gold buyer’s shop, making off with two sacks filled with money and gold.
Reports indicate that the armed group invaded Humble Gold Buying Enterprise around 1 p.m., where three shopkeepers were present.
Brandishing guns and knives, they demanded the safe keys from the shopkeepers.
One shopkeeper, suspected to hold the keys, was shot twice and is in critical condition at the hospital.
The other two shopkeepers were injured by gunshots and knife wounds during the confrontation but are now reported to be stable.
The robbers successfully obtained the keys and escaped with the gold and money in two sacks.
Authorities have launched a manhunt to locate and arrest the suspects.
Earlier this year, in June, the Tarkwa Circuit Court sentenced two soldiers and nine other individuals to a combined 252 years in prison for a similar robbery at a gold-buying company in Wassa Akropong.
The convicted individuals included Emmanuel Tetteh, also known as ‘Rocky Study,’ a retired soldier working as a private security officer; Samuel Agbadoku, who is unemployed; Isaac Adjei, another private security officer; Frank Afavi, a fetish priest; Yaw Adzevi, a kente weaver; and Anthony Ayivie Kwame Senyo, alias ‘Shoto,’ a driver. Each of these six individuals received 17-year sentence.
Additionally, Pascal Korku Atatsitsey, alias ‘Mezaya,’ and Dodzi Awali, both fetish priests; Dickson Kumedzro, also known as ‘Jaggar,’ a farmer; and Ruben Kportufe, alias ‘Offei,’ a self-proclaimed businessman, were each sentenced to 25 years. Mohammed Buzu, alias ‘Meme,’ an ex-convict, was sentenced to 50 years.
All defendants faced charges of conspiracy and robbery but refuted the accusations related to the 2018 case. They requested leniency from the presiding judge, Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu.
There have been growing worries about escalating crime rates, including a surge in robbery incidents.
In response, the government and police have been taking steps to address the issue, including boosting patrols, enhancing community policing efforts, and launching public awareness campaigns.