Two Soldiers Jailed 10 Years for Kidnapping and Robbery
The Asante Bekwai Circuit Court has sentenced two Ghanaian Air Force personnel to ten years in prison each with hard labor for kidnapping and robbing a small-scale miner of GH¢96,500.
Lance Corporals (LAC) Alfred Mensah, 33, and Matthew Amoako, 28, were found guilty after a full trial, despite denying charges of conspiracy, robbery, and kidnapping. Three of their accomplices—two soldiers identified as Frimpong and Francis, as well as a driver, Francis Acheampong—are still at large.
According to Detective Chief Inspector Eric Twum, the convicts, along with their accomplices, staged the attack on Andrews Asante, a small-scale miner in Ametubuom, Asiwa, on November 25, 2023. Under the guise of a military operation, they forced their way into Asante’s home at 1:30 AM, beat him, and demanded GH¢400,000 for his release. When he could not pay the full amount, they extorted GH¢96,500 from him and his mother-in-law.
The robbers then abducted Asante, forcing him into a rented Mitsubishi Pajero. Police were alerted and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the gang ignored signals and fled. Officers fired shots at the car, but the criminals continued driving until they reached a broken bridge at Anwiam, where they abandoned the vehicle and escaped into a forest with Asante.
The prosecution’s evidence led to the conviction of Mensah and Amoako, while the police continue to hunt for their three accomplices. The case highlights concerns over security personnel engaging in criminal activities.