Fake soldier, police officer arrested over illegal weapons, narcotics possession

Two men, including a serving police officer, have been granted bail by the Circuit Court at Dansoman, presided over by Her Ladyship Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, after being charged with multiple criminal offences involving weapons, narcotics and impersonation.

According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, the accused persons, Roland Adotey Maclean, a cattle farmer from Ablekuma Oshuma and No. 51670 G/Cpl. Jonas Adjin Lartey, a police officer stationed at Kwabenya MTTD, were arraigned before the court on six counts, ranging from possession of illegal arms and ammunition to narcotic drug offences and impersonation.

Maclean was arrested on May 14, 2025 by personnel of the National Police Intelligence Directorate (NPID), following intelligence reports that he had been posing as a military officer in the Ablekuma Oshuma area, where he allegedly harassed and terrorised residents with firearms.

A search conducted at his residence revealed a cache of items, including a brand-new Taurus pistol loaded with 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition, military and police uniforms, a forged military ID card, suspected narcotics and personal effects such as a laptop and mobile devices.

Maclean denied all charges, pleading not guilty to possession of a forged official document, defrauding by false pretence and possession of narcotics.

During interrogation, Maclean implicated Cpl. Jonas Adjin Lartey as the owner of the pistol and uniforms.

Cpl. Lartey later reported himself and was arrested.

Investigations revealed he had obtained the firearm from a military officer under false pretences, claiming he was registering it with the Police Arms and Ammunition Department, but instead used it unlawfully.

He also led police to recover another Taurus pistol, loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, allegedly inherited from his late father.

Cpl. Lartey has been charged with possession of arms and ammunition without authority and unlawful possession of narcotics. He also pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Both accused persons were granted bail in the sum of GH¢50,000 each with three sureties, all of whom must be public servants residing within the court’s jurisdiction and earning not less than GH¢3,000 monthly.

They are required to deposit their Ghana Cards with the court and report weekly to the police.

The case has been adjourned to July 23, 2025, for a Case Management Conference, with the prosecution ordered to file all necessary disclosures and witness statements.

 

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