How a wallet exposed MP's security guards in alleged GH¢165k gold robbery
Two security guards attached to the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, have been arrested and charged over an alleged GH¢165,000 gold robbery after investigators reportedly traced them through a wallet left at the crime scene.
According to Crime Check TV, the suspects, Justice Kpakpo Mingle, also known as Nii, a 31-year-old photographer, and Justice Mensah, also known as Gaza, a 29-year-old vulcaniser, both from Kasoa, have been arraigned before the Bekwai Circuit Court.
They are facing charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery under Sections 23(1) and 149 of Ghana's Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
How the alleged robbery unfolded
Court documents filed by the prosecution, led by ASP Lloyd Baidoo and chief investigator Detective Sergeant Arthur Lennox, indicate that the incident occurred on May 22, 2026, at about 8:00 a.m.
The complainant, George Osei Tutu, together with Clinton Amankwa and Simon Ofori Amoah, was transporting raw gold ore from a mining site at Denkyei to Fomena in a pickup truck with registration number GW 3813-25.
Prosecutors said the vehicle was intercepted by armed men dressed in black and brown tactical military-style uniforms.
The suspects allegedly forced the victims at gunpoint to drive onto a bush road, where they robbed them of the following:
Raw gold ore valued at GH¢165,000
Several mobile phones
The pickup truck's ignition key
The attackers reportedly abandoned the victims before fleeing the scene.
Wallet left behind leads police to suspects
According to Crime Check TV, investigators made a major breakthrough after discovering a wallet allegedly left behind at the robbery scene.
The wallet reportedly contained Justice Kpakpo Mingle's Ghana Card, voter ID card, driver's licence and a business card for "Nii Akpaloo Concepts", complete with contact details.
Using the recovered documents, officers from the Ashanti South Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) tracked Mingle to Kasoa Nyanyano Monaco, where he was arrested on June 10, 2026.
Police said Mingle later led investigators to the arrest of his alleged accomplice, Justice Mensah, at Kasoa Akweley Junction.
Suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation.
Investigators said both suspects admitted their involvement in the robbery during questioning.
Police allege they identified Festus Mensah, also known as Gucci, an excavator operator at the victims' mining site, as the alleged mastermind behind the operation.
Festus Mensah is currently on the run, and police say efforts are underway to locate and arrest him.
Police recover uniforms and a motorbike.
Investigations further revealed that the two suspects allegedly worked as security guards for Awutu Senya East MP Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor.
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Police claim they had been issued black and brown tactical uniforms for their security duties and allegedly used the same outfits to impersonate security personnel during the robbery.
According to investigators, the stolen gold ore was later transported to Adabraka in Accra and allegedly sold on the black market for GH¢151,000.
Police further alleged that each suspect received GH¢60,000, which they reportedly used for personal expenses, including debt repayment, funeral preparations, rent and the purchase of an Apsonic Jungle motorbike.
Items retrieved by investigators include:
Black and brown tactical uniforms and combat boots.
The guest register from Adom Ara Kwa Guest House.
The Apsonic Jungle motorbike allegedly purchased with part of the proceeds.
The Bekwai Circuit Court has remanded the two suspects into custody while investigations continue.
Police are also working to recover the firearm allegedly used during the robbery and arrest the remaining suspect.
Edem Kwame
Chief Editor
Edem Kwame is a staff journalist at GH News Media, where he covers sports, politics, news and current affairs with a sharp focus on Ghanaian and African football.
