In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves through the Mankranso community in the Ahafo Ano South West District of the Ashanti Region, a 40-year-old man, identified as Charles Oppong, lost his life during a deadly robbery attack on a gold dealership shop.
The incident, which occurred on the evening of Friday, August 23, 2024, also left three others severely injured and hospitalised, underscoring the poor state of security in parts of the region.
The attack took place at Richberk Gold Enterprise, a well-known dealership in the area, specialising in the smelting, refining, assaying, and purchasing of gold.
The business, which services the Ahafo Ano South, East, and North Districts, had been a hub for local miners and traders who rely on it for the sale of their gold.
According to eyewitness reports, a group of about 10 unidentified gunmen stormed the shop arounf 7 p.m. on Friday, launching a coordinated and vicious assault.
The attackers, whose identities remain unknown, opened fire indiscriminately upon entering the premises, creating a scene of chaos and terror.
In the midst of the commotion, Charles Oppong, an employee of Richberk Gold Enterprise, was tragically struck and killed instantly.
His death has plunged his family and the community into mourning, with many struggling to come to terms with the sudden and violent nature of his demise.
The three other victims, colleagues of the deceased, sustained serious gunshot wounds as they tried to shield themselves from the rain of bullets.
The injuries were so severe that they were initially rushed to the Mankranso Government Hospital, where they received first aid and initial treatment.
However, given the critical condition of their injuries, a decision was made to transfer them to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
The gunmen, after wreaking havoc and seizing valuables from the shop, managed to escape the scene before the authorities could intervene. The exact value of the stolen goods has yet to be determined, but the loss is expected to be substantial, given the nature of the business.
The robbers, who remain at large, have become the subject of an intense manhunt by the police. Law enforcement agencies have launched a full-scale investigation, deploying personnel across the region in a bid to track down and apprehend the culprits. The police have also appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects, emphasising the need for community cooperation in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
In the wake of the attack, the Assembly Member for the Mankrano/Domeabra Electoral Area, Emmanuel Frimpong, has called for increased security measures to be implemented in the area.
Meanwhile, in a show of solidarity and support, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, accompanied by a team of officers, visited the family of the deceased, Charles Oppong.
The visit was intended to offer condolences and assure the bereaved family that the police are committed to finding those responsible for this heinous crime. The Commander expressed his deepest sympathies and reiterated the determination of the police force to bring the perpetrators to justice, promising that no stone would be left unturned in the pursuit of the criminals.
