Foiled Robbery Attempt in Gold Heist
The Ghana Police Service has successfully foiled a planned armed robbery targeting a gold consignment valued at over 1.3 million cedis, following a coordinated, intelligence-led operation.
The operation, led by the Special Support Unit (SSU) at Police Headquarters in Accra, was launched on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, after receiving intelligence about a conspiracy to rob Mr. Rashid, a consultant with a legally registered mining firm.
Investigations revealed that the suspects included the gold dealer’s driver and a man posing as his bodyguard, both of whom conspired to execute the robbery during a scheduled gold delivery on June 26.
Police closely monitored the suspects’ movements. On the day of the delivery, the planned robbery was to take place along the Accra–Akuapem–Manfe road. A last-minute change of route, initiated by one of the conspirators, redirected the convoy to the Koforidua–Aburi stretch.
Surveillance officers identified two suspects — Adams Zibo and Massawud Yussif — in an unregistered blue Hyundai vehicle near Akuapem–Manfe. Meanwhile, two motorbikes trailed the target vehicle, a Land Cruiser carrying Rashid and the gold bars.
Police swiftly intervened, arresting Kenneth Khartey at the scene. Mr. Rashid and his driver were rescued unharmed, and the 1.2kg gold consignment, valued at 1,350,343.53, cedis was recovered.
The remaining suspects, Zibo and Yussif, were arrested later that day at East Legon.
Police investigations indicate the plot had been in motion for about a month. Zibo and Yussif are believed to have provided cash, logistics, and weapons, including arrangements to procure AK-47 rifles and motorbikes. A fourth suspect, Addu Gyawu, was later cleared of involvement and granted bail.
The three key suspects remain in custody and will soon be arraigned. The Inspector-General of Police has commended all officers involved for their swift and professional execution of the operation.
Ina related development, INTERPOL & Police Rescue Dozens of QNET Human Trafficking Victims Across West Africa
In a separate development, the Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with INTERPOL and Nigerian authorities, has rescued 76 victims of human trafficking linked to the QNET network marketing scam. The victims were rescued from various hideouts in Nigeria between May 19 and June 27, 2025, with seven Ghanaian suspects arrested.
Key operations included:
- 30 victims rescued in Agbara, Ogun State – May 19
- 15 victims rescued, 1 suspect arrested in Uyo, Akwa Ibom – June 22
The suspects are currently in custody in Nigeria, assisting with ongoing investigations and prosecution. Ghanaian authorities are working to repatriate the rescued victims and reunite them with their families.
Back in Ghana, between May 6–22, police rescued 48 foreign victims (nationals of Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Guinea) from similar QNET schemes. These individuals have since been returned to their home countries. Two foreign suspects from Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire were arrested and remain in custody.
Authorities revealed disturbing details of how these trafficking rings operate:
- Victims, typically between 17–35 years, are lured with promises of jobs, football contracts, or travel to Europe or Canada.
- Upon arrival in Ghana or Nigeria, they are detained in overcrowded “camps”, stripped of documents and phones, and forced into scam operations.
- Victims are often coerced into defrauding family members for money, sometimes leading them to fear returning home due to shame or threats.
The Commercial Division of the Accra High Court ordered the dissolution of Quest Net Limited (QNET) in July 2022 for operating illegal Ponzi-like schemes. QNET has also been banned in several other countries in the subregion.
Authorities say that deception, coercion, and restriction of movement are criminal offenses under Ghana’s Anti-Human Trafficking Act (Act 694) and the Criminal Code (Act 29).
Individuals who lure others into such schemes — locally or abroad — will face prosecution in the respective jurisdictions. Several suspects have already been remanded by Ghanaian courts as part of ongoing investigations.
Public Advisory
The Ghana Police Service urges the public to:
- Exercise caution when responding to recruitment offers, especially those involving travel to unfamiliar countries.
- Report suspicious activities or signs of trafficking to the nearest police station.
- Landlords and property owners should remain vigilant about how their premises are used.
On behalf of IGP Christian Tetteh-Yohuno, the Police Management Board commended the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, INTERPOL (NCB Accra), and all involved officers for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication to combating crime and protecting victims.
By Peter Quao Adattor
