Three Suspects Remanded in Newmont Mines Pistol Robbery Case – Fiapre Circuit Court Update

Introduction

In a significant development in Ghana’s mining security landscape, three suspects have been remanded in police custody by the Fiapre Circuit Court in connection with the theft of a Beretta pistol from Ahafo Newmont Mines Company in Ntotroso-Kenyase. This Newmont Mines pistol robbery incident, reported on January 13, 2025, highlights ongoing challenges in protecting high-value assets at major gold mining operations. The Bono Regional Police Command, through Public Relations Officer Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, detailed the arrests stemming from an intelligence-led operation by the National Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU). This case underscores the importance of robust security measures in Ghana’s mining sector, where firearm thefts pose risks to operations and personnel safety.

Understanding such cases involves grasping key elements: the timeline from theft to arrests, court proceedings, and evidence recovery. This article provides a pedagogical breakdown to educate readers on the Fiapre Circuit Court processes, police investigative techniques, and implications for mining security in the Bono Region.

Analysis

The Newmont Mines pistol robbery unfolded on January 13, 2025, when a reliable Beretta pistol (serial number GHGP/NHQ/CTD/H78688Z-13) was stolen from a security personnel at the mining site in Ntotroso-Kenyase, Ahafo Region. Nearly ten months later, on November 12, 2025, the Bono Regional Police Command executed arrests through a targeted intelligence operation led by the CTU.

Arrest Sequence and Initial Leads

Investigations began with the apprehension of Joseph Blackige (25) and Priscilla Awuni (18) in Ntotroso. A search of Blackige’s room yielded no immediate evidence, but his interrogation revealed he had passed the stolen pistol to Kwabena Dodzi (44). This led authorities to Adu Yeboah Abraham (46), where a search uncovered critical items: six BB cartridges, suspected gunpowder, and GH₵28,844 in cash. These findings linked the suspects to possession of stolen property and potential further criminal activity.

Role of Intelligence-Led Operations

The CTU’s involvement exemplifies modern policing in Ghana, where intelligence gathering drives arrests in complex theft cases. Such operations rely on surveillance, informant tips, and forensic analysis, demonstrating how delayed but precise interventions can recover leads in firearm thefts from secure sites like Newmont’s Ahafo mine.

Summary

Four suspects—Joseph Blackige, Kwabena Dodzi, Adu Yeboah Abraham, and Priscilla Awuni—were arrested on November 12, 2025, in the Newmont Mines pistol robbery probe. They appeared before Her Honour Mrs. Akua Adoma Addae at Fiapre Circuit Court on provisional charges of stealing and possessing stolen property. Priscilla Awuni received police enquiry bail, while the three males were remanded. Their next court date is November 28, 2025. This summary captures the essence of the Bono Regional Police Command’s updates via Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For mining companies like Newmont and security teams in Ghana’s Ahafo Region, this case offers actionable insights into preventing pistol robberies and firearm thefts.

Enhancing Site Security

Implement multi-layered security: Deploy CCTV, access controls, and regular patrols at mining sites. Train security personnel in firearm handling and immediate reporting protocols. Newmont’s Ahafo operations, a key gold producer, should audit weapon storage to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Community and Intelligence Collaboration

Engage local communities in Ntotroso-Kenyase through awareness programs on the dangers of handling stolen goods. Report suspicious activities promptly to Bono Regional Police Command. Businesses can adopt inventory tracking software for assets like pistols.

Personal Safety Tips

Residents should avoid purchasing items from unverified sources to prevent unwitting involvement in stolen property cases. Use official channels for reporting lost or stolen items.

Points of Caution

Handling stolen firearms carries severe risks. In Ghana, possessing a stolen pistol like the Beretta in this Newmont Mines pistol robbery can lead to remand and prolonged investigations. Suspects admitted passing the weapon, illustrating how chains of custody expose accomplices.

Avoiding Criminal Networks

Items like BB cartridges, gunpowder, and unexplained cash raise red flags. Citizens must exercise caution in transactions, as police searches can uncover links to broader crimes. Young adults, like the 18-year-old suspect, face heightened scrutiny in such cases.

Investigation Delays

The ten-month gap from theft to arrests shows patience in intelligence work but cautions against complacency in security. Mining firms should not delay reporting to enable swift CTU responses.

Comparison

This suspects remanded case at Fiapre Circuit Court mirrors patterns in Ghanaian mining thefts. For instance, previous incidents at gold mines in the Ashanti and Ahafo regions involved stolen equipment, but firearm cases like this are rarer due to stricter controls. Unlike petty thefts resolved quickly, this intelligence-led arrest parallels high-profile operations by Ghana Police Service’s CTU in counter-terrorism and organized crime, where evidence like serial-numbered pistols enables tracing.

Versus General Robberies

Standard street robberies often result in immediate bail, but mining-related firearm thefts trigger remands due to national security concerns. Newmont’s case stands out for the cash and ammunition recovered, differentiating it from simpler possessions.

Legal Implications

Under Ghanaian law, specifically the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), stealing (Section 124) and dishonestly receiving stolen property (Section 148) carry penalties up to 14 years imprisonment. Provisional charges at Fiapre Circuit Court allow for remand during police enquiry bail assessments, as seen here. The court’s decision to remand three suspects reflects the gravity of firearm theft from a critical infrastructure like Ahafo Newmont Mines.

Court Procedures Explained

Remand into police custody, as ordered by Mrs. Akua Adoma Addae, ensures evidence preservation and prevents tampering. The female suspect’s bail highlights judicial discretion based on flight risk and cooperation. Reappearance on November 28, 2025, will likely involve charge sheets and potential pleas.

Firearm regulations under the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1962 (Act 489) amplify implications, as unlicensed possession or alteration of serial-numbered weapons like GHGP/NHQ/CTD/H78688Z-13 invites additional charges.

Conclusion

The remand of three suspects in the Newmont Mines pistol robbery case marks a milestone in Bono Regional Police Command’s efforts to safeguard Ghana’s mining industry. From the January 13, 2025, theft to November 12, 2025, arrests, this saga demonstrates effective CTU operations and Fiapre Circuit Court efficiency. As the case progresses to November 28, 2025, it serves as a reminder for enhanced security at sites like Ntotroso-Kenyase. Stakeholders must prioritize prevention to mitigate risks in the vital gold mining sector, ensuring safety for workers and communities.

FAQ