In a recent verdict that sent shockwaves through the Agona Swedru Circuit Court, two individuals have been sentenced to a total of 10 years imprisonment in hard labour for robbing senior high school students. Markvelly Kwame Wise, a carpenter, and Alex Aidoo, known as ‘password,’ a driver, both residents of Gomoa Eshiem near Mozano in the Gomoa, were charged with robbery after initially pleading not guilty. The victims, Master Richard Awotwe-Quaye and Master Obed Wilson, both day students of Mozano Senior High School, were the targets of their malicious scheme.
According to prosecuting Sergeant Emmanuel Akonnor, the convicts, who were friends, conspired to attack students residing outside the campus. On April 21, 2023, at 12:30 noon, they approached the victims at their private hostel and claimed that an operation was imminent, demanding money for exemption. However, the two complainants saw through their deception and stood their ground, refusing to succumb to the convicts’ demands.
True to their earlier warning, Wise and Aidoo struck on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, around 11:30 pm. Armed with a menacing machete, they broke into the students’ hostel and forcibly seized two laptops valued at GH¢3,700.00, along with two mobile phones worth GH¢2,500. Making a swift escape, the perpetrators left the victims in a state of shock and distress.
The victims promptly reported the incident to the police, leading to the arrest of Wise and Aidoo on Thursday, April 27, 2023, as part of the ensuing investigation. Subsequent inquiries revealed that the stolen items had been sold to an individual named Sam in Agona Swedru, amounting to a total sum of GH¢4,700. Despite exhaustive efforts, Sam has evaded capture for his alleged involvement in dishonestly receiving stolen property, leaving the police determined to bring him to justice.
This significant ruling from the Agona Swedru Circuit Court serves as a stark reminder that criminal acts will not go unpunished. The impact of this case extends beyond the courtroom, resonating throughout the Gomoa Eshiem community and beyond. As the victims strive to recover from this traumatic experience, the conviction of Wise and Aidoo brings a measure of justice and provides hope for those affected by this senseless crime.
