The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has announced the successful conviction and sentencing of two individuals involved in a high-profile robbery case following extensive investigations and legal proceedings at the Bekwai Circuit Court.

In a statement issued on Friday, it said the convicts, Francis Oppong (also known as Kwame Abuu) and Francis Nyamekye (also known as Amearo), were both found guilty after a full trial and sentenced for their roles in a violent robbery that took place in December 2023.

They were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, aiding and abetting robbery, and robbery, all of which are criminal offences under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), specifically Sections 23(1), 20(1), and 149.

The statement said the two men were initially arraigned before the Bekwai Circuit Court on January 30, 2024, noting that the case was thoroughly investigated by the police, with evidence gathered over an extended period before it was brought before the court.

After a detailed trial, the court convicted the accused on January 5, 2026, with Francis Oppong sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with hard labour, while Francis Nyamekye was handed a 25-year sentence with hard labour. The sentences are to be served at the Kumasi Central Prison.

The Service noted that the robbery in question occurred on December 16, 2023, at Kyekyewere, near Obuasi, and involved a small-scale miner.

Investigations revealed that Oppong and Nyamekye, along with accomplices who are still at large, had conspired to rob the victim. Francis Oppong, a resident of Kyekyewere, was found to have closely monitored the victim’s activities, gathering crucial intelligence for the gang’s attack.

He communicated this information to the robbers, leading to the planned raid on the victim's residence and mining site.

During the assault, the victim was physically attacked and sustained injuries, as the robbers made off with valuable items, including a pump-action gun, a Huawei mobile phone worth GH¢1,200, 18 pounds of gold valued at approximately GH¢100,000, and cash amounting to GH¢2,000. The attack left the victim traumatised and in need of medical treatment.

Following the robbery, police investigations led to the arrest of Francis Nyamekye. The police discovered that Nyamekye had sought medical treatment at a private hospital in Obuasi after sustaining gunshot wounds during a failed robbery attempt involving other accomplices.

This intelligence was instrumental in linking Nyamekye to the robbery, leading to his arrest and eventual prosecution.

The police have assured the public that efforts are still ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the robbery.

According to the Ashanti South Regional Police Command, further operations are being conducted to locate and bring the other individuals involved in the crime to justice.

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may assist in the identification of the remaining suspects still at large.