The Asokwa Circuit Court 1, yesterday, Tuesday, 24 March 2026, granted bail to a woman accused of involvement in a robbery linked to the killing of the father-in-law of Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of Ghana Gold Board, as prosecutors said investigations were ongoing and charges could be reviewed.
Patricia Osei Boateng, also known as “Boatema”, an actress, had earlier been remanded after being charged with abetment of crime, to wit, robbery, in connection with an incident at Ohwim Tigo Junction in Kumasi.
At yesterday’s hearing, the prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Ofori, told the court that investigations were ongoing and that the charge against the accused could be reviewed, with the docket to be forwarded to the Attorney-General for advice.
He said the prosecution would not oppose bail but requested that, if granted, the accused be required to report regularly to the police.
The court, presided over by Fred Obikyere, noted that the prosecution appeared uncertain about its next steps and cautioned against “toying with the liberty of the accused.” It said it had “quite consciously” decided to grant bail, considering the nature of the allegations.
Ms Boateng was granted bail in the sum of 500,000 cedis, with two sureties, one to be secured by a registered leasehold or freehold property. She is also required to report to the police once a week on days to be determined by investigators.
Defence counsel Richard Acquah applied for a variation of the bail terms, but the court dismissed the request. The case was adjourned to April 21 for further directions.
The case forms part of a broader police operation targeting a robbery and car-snatching syndicate in the Ashanti Region.
Earlier this month, two other suspects, Kojo Amposah and Emmanuel Kwame Appiah, were remanded on robbery charges, while another suspect, Bashiru Tanko, remains in custody assisting with investigations.
Police say the case is linked to a fatal robbery on February 10 at Ohwim Amanfrom, where a Toyota Hilux vehicle was stolen from its owner, Andrews Amankwaa, who later died from gunshot wounds.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing as they work to dismantle the wider criminal network.
Police in the Ashanti Region said they arrested four suspects in connection with the robbery and murder of Mr Amankwah. A fifth suspect, believed to be the leader of the gang, whose name was not disclosed, died from injuries sustained during the police operation.
The report did not indicate where and how his injury occurred or the whereabouts of his body.
Aside from Mr Amankwah’s phone, which was found with one of the suspects, it is not clear whether his stolen, unregistered car was also seen and recovered from the suspects.
But speaking on the matter on Monday, February 23, 2026, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, reaffirmed the Service’s determination to clamp down on violent crime and dismantle organised criminal networks operating across the country.
According to police, the attack occurred on 10 February 2026 at Owhim Tigo Junction, where the victim was ambushed during a robbery, and his Toyota Hilux vehicle was stolen.
He was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, 18 February, five days after the attack.
A special investigative team, drawn from the Ashanti Regional Command, the Regional Intelligence Unit, the Anti-Robbery Squad and the Cyber Vetting Team from CID Headquarters, was immediately constituted to track down those responsible.
Police said the operation led to the dismantling of a carjacking network known as the “Duku Syndicate”, believed to be behind several violent robberies involving Toyota Hilux vehicles.
According to the police, between 18 and 22 February, four key suspects were arrested in separate operations within Kumasi, while the alleged leader, Eric Antwi Duku, sustained gunshot wounds during an operation on 22 February and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Osei Akoto Arthur, addressing the press on Monday, 24 February, said the first breakthrough came on 18 February with the arrest of Akwasi Manu, a 47-year-old farmer, who was found in possession of the deceased’s Samsung mobile phone. He has since been arraigned before the Asokwa Circuit Court and remanded in custody.
Further operations led to the arrest of Bashiru Tanko at Atonsu High School Junction. Kwadwo Amponsah, alias “Kamakazi”, and Emmanuel Kwame Appiah were apprehended at Hwereso near Boankra and at Danyame Soldier Barracks in Kumasi on 21 February. Emmanuel Kwame Appiah, also known as “Taller”, is believed to have acted as the syndicate’s driver during the fatal robbery.
Items retrieved from the deceased suspect included a pistol, eight rounds of ammunition, a tracking detection device, forged vehicle documents and a Toyota Corolla S, which has been impounded.
Police indicated that preliminary investigations link the suspects to the 10 February 2026 robbery at Ohwim-Amanfrom in Kumasi, during which Mr Amankwah was shot and his Toyota Hilux stolen.
Investigators have also linked the group to another fatal robbery at Kronum involving a vehicle belonging to the Ghana National Association of Teachers.
The suspects have reportedly confessed to multiple robbery operations in Kumasi and Tarkwa, with intelligence suggesting that stolen vehicles were transported through the northern border corridor.
The recovered firearm is undergoing forensic and ballistic examination, while investigations continue to identify additional accomplices involved in disposing of stolen vehicles and preparing forged documentation.
The suspects remain in custody and are expected to be arraigned before the court soon. Police noted that some members of the syndicate had previously been on the Western Regional Police Command’s wanted list.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment, the IGP stated: “As I have always assured the good people of Ghana, my team and I remain committed to ensuring that we make life uncomfortable for criminal elements in the country.
“No matter how far they run or how much they hide, we will continue to pursue them, dismantle their activities and bring them to justice.”
Investigators believe the suspects are part of a wider criminal syndicate specialising in the theft of pick-up trucks and Land Cruiser vehicles for resale through local and international channels. The network has reportedly been linked to similar robberies in Tarkwa and other parts of the Ashanti Region. Police say the group typically conducted surveillance on targets before launching attacks, resorting to threats or violence when victims resisted.
The IGP extended his condolences to the bereaved family and commended officers and members of the public for their cooperation, which contributed to the arrests.
“To the criminals out there, take note: we will leave no stone unturned. By every legal means possible, we will pursue you, arrest you and bring you to justice,” Mr Yohuno warned.
Investigations remain ongoing as police intensify efforts to dismantle the broader network connected to the attack.
Meanwhile, the solemn one-week observance, scheduled from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, will bring together family members, friends, loved ones and well-wishers to pay their respects and offer prayers in his honour.
Mr Amankwah, born in 1958, passed away in 2026. His life, described by relatives as one of dedication, humility and service, will be remembered during the traditional observance, which forms part of customary funeral rites.
The family has extended an open invitation to sympathisers and members of the public who wish to join them in commemorating his life and supporting the bereaved family during this period of mourning.
Further details regarding the final funeral rites are expected to be announced in due course.
