2 men remanded over alleged role in deadly robbery spree in Tema

Two men accused of masterminding a series of violent armed robberies that left one person dead and another critically injured have been remanded into police custody by the Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah.

The accused, Francis Ahianor, 33, a Storekeeper and Samuel Forson, 34, a Forklift operator, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including abetment of robbery, robbery and causing harm.

The court heard that the two men collaborated with Ebenezer Oteng Ortegah, currently at large, and other unidentified accomplices to plan and execute two robbery attacks at the Baatsonaa area of Greater Accra. between March and May 2024.

According to Chief Inspector Daniel Ofori-Appiah, the first attack occurred on 7 March, 2024 when Ahianor and Forson allegedly plotted with Ortegah to ambush Antoinette McCarthy, a trader at the Tema Fishing Harbour.

Ahianor, who worked for the complainant, reportedly provided Forson with photos and details of McCarthy’s vehicle, a Mini-Cooper with DV number plate. These were later shared with the armed gang.

That evening, McCarthy was attacked near Joparma Printing Press, off the Spintex Road, after collecting documents from a nearby shop.

Two armed men on a motorbike assaulted her in her car, forcibly removing her from the car and stealing her handbag containing GH¢500,000.

McCarthy was shot in the right foot during the struggle.

Tragically, Benjamin Amankwah, 30, a print shop attendant who attempted to intervene, was gunned down by the robbers and later died from his injuries at the 37 Military Hospital.

Second Attack Targets Pan African Savings Staff

In a separate but related incident on 28 May, 2024 the accused allegedly orchestrated another robbery, this time targeting staff of Pan African Savings and Loan, Spintex branch.

Ahianor, who was observing the financial staff conducting their cash collections at cold stores in Tema, allegedly took photos and relayed them to Forson, who again forwarded the information to Ortegah’s gang.

That afternoon, as the bank’s van returned to the Spintex branch, it was intercepted by armed robbers. At gunpoint, the staff were robbed of GH¢179,275.

Elizabeth Botchwey, a cashier onboard, was shot in the right breast during the attack.

The accused are alleged to have met Ortegah the same day at a location near Ashaiman Polyclinic, where they each received GH¢10,000 as their share of the loot.

Police investigations led to the arrest of Samuel Forson at AFCO Junction. Under interrogation, Forson implicated Ahianor, who was later arrested at Ashaiman.

Both reportedly admitted to their involvement during police interviews and confessed to receiving GH¢15,000 and GH¢20,000 from the two operations.

Judge Adjei-Tawiah remanded both accused persons into custody. They are expected to reappear in court on 29 July 2025.

Meanwhile, the police have intensified efforts to apprehend Ebenezer Oteng, alias Ortegah, and four other suspects who remain at large.

 

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