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South Korean court approves arrest of ex-first lady, wife of jailed Yoon

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South Korea's former First Lady Kim Keon-hee

A South Korean court has approved the arrest of Kim Keon-hee, the wife of jailed and impeached ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol, making her the country’s only former first lady to be arrested.

Kim had earlier appeared in court on Tuesday for a five-hour hearing in which the prosecution requested a warrant to arrest her on accusations of interfering with an investigation. Kim’s detention means she joins her husband, former President Yoon, in jail as he faces trial, following his removal in April, over a botched bid to impose martial law in December.

Kim, wearing a black suit, bowed as she arrived on Tuesday, but did not answer reporters’ questions or make a statement.

After the hearing ended, she left to await the ruling at a detention centre in Seoul, the capital, in line with customary practice.

The charges against her, punishable by years in prison, range from stock fraud to bribery and illegal influence peddling that have implicated business owners, religious figures and a political power broker.

She has been accused of breaking the law over an incident in which she wore a luxury Van Cleef pendant reportedly worth more than 60 million won ($43,000) while attending a NATO summit with her husband in 2022.

The item was not listed in the couple’s financial disclosure as required by law, according to the charge.

Kim is also accused of receiving two Chanel bags together valued at 20 million won ($14,500) and a diamond necklace from a religious group as a bribe in return for influence favourable to its business interests.

Credit: aljazeera.com

North Koreans say they are being sent to work ‘like slaves’ in Russia

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North Koreans complain

Thousands of North Koreans are being sent to work in slave-like conditions in Russia to fill a huge labour shortage exacerbated by Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the BBC has learned.

Moscow has repeatedly turned to Pyongyang to help it fight the war, using its missiles, artillery shells and its soldiers.

Now, with many of Russia’s men either killed or tied up fighting – or having fled the country – South Korean intelligence officials have told the BBC that Moscow is increasingly relying on North Korean labourers.

BBC interviewed six North Korean workers who have fled Russia since the start of the war, along with South Korean government officials, researchers and those helping to rescue the labourers.

They detailed how the men are subjected to “abysmal” working conditions, and how the North Korean authorities are tightening their control over the workers to stop them escaping.

One of the workers, Jin, told the BBC that when he landed in Russia’s Far East, he was chaperoned from the airport to a construction site by a North Korean security agent, who ordered him not to talk to anyone or look at anything.

“The outside world is our enemy,” the agent told him. He was put straight to work building high-rise apartment blocks for more than 18 hours a day, he said.

All six workers we spoke to described the same punishing workdays – waking at 6am and being forced to build high-rise apartments until 2am the next morning, with just two days off a year.

The escapees told us that the workers are confined to their construction sites day and night, where they are watched by agents from North Korea’s state security department. They sleep in dirty, overcrowded shipping containers, infested with bugs, or on the floor of unfinished apartment blocks, with tarps pulled over the door frames to try to keep out the cold.

Credit: bbc.com

Editorial: Trotro Drivers Must Stop Inflating Fares Under The Guise Of Splitting Journeys

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THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

On August 5, 2025 Ghanaians were informed that public transport fares across the country would increase by 20%, effective Friday, August 8, 2025. The directive, issued by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), in collaboration with transport unions, was in line with the administrative arrangement on public transport fares.

The directive was issued as a result of three pressing concerns affecting transport operators, which are; the failure of spare parts and service prices to fall after a previous 15% fare reduction in May, the introduction of a GH¢1.00 per litre fuel levy that pushed fuel prices up by about 8% and the general rise in operational costs.

However, as of today, August 12, 2025 the announced fare increase has not been implemented. On paper, this should mean passengers continue paying the old fares until the adjustment officially takes effect.

Whilst Ghanaians wait for the increase in fares to officially take effect, there is an unfortunate report from commuters, which reveal a more troubling reality, an emerging practice by some trotro drivers and their mates that effectively inflates fares under the guise of splitting journeys into shorter routes.

Take, for example, the case of a direct trip from Ofankor Barrier to Circle, which typically costs GH¢5.50. Instead of charging this single fare, some drivers now stop halfway at Achimota, collecting a separate fare, before continuing to Circle and charging passengers again. By the time commuters reach their destination, they have paid twice, effectively more than the original fare. This is not an isolated occurrence; it is becoming a growing pattern, particularly in Accra.

Trotros have long been the lifeline of public transportation in Ghana, offering the most affordable option for the average worker, student and trader. Many Ghanaians rely on them daily, not out of choice but necessity. When drivers engage in practices that deliberately increase the financial burden on passengers without any official fare adjustment, it undermines the very essence of the service they provide.

It is important to state that transport operators are not immune to the economic challenges of the day. Rising fuel prices, high maintenance costs and unpredictable spare part markets all take a toll. But these realities do not justify unfair and exploitative practices, especially when the official fare structure has not changed. Commuters, already struggling with the high cost of living, should not be made to subsidise the inefficiencies or opportunistic tactics of a few.

The Ministry of Transport, the GRTCC and the leadership of transport unions have a duty to step in swiftly. The current situation calls for more than mere public statements; it requires active monitoring and enforcement.

Route-based fare charts must be prominently displayed at lorry stations and compliance checks should be carried out regularly. Passengers should also be encouraged to report overcharging through accessible complaint channels.

Furthermore, this is an opportunity to revisit broader reforms in the public transport sector. A more transparent fare system digitised where possible could prevent arbitrary pricing. Fare adjustments, when necessary, should be clearly communicated with timelines and transitional arrangements that prevent confusion and abuse.

At its core, public transport is not merely a business, it is a public service. While operators deserve fair compensation for their work, passengers deserve honesty and fairness in return. The trust between the two must be preserved if our transport system is to remain functional and accessible.

In these difficult times, solidarity between service providers and the public is essential. Drivers and mates should resist the temptation to take advantage of delays in fare increases, and regulators must ensure that the rules are followed. Anything less will erode confidence in a sector that millions depend on daily.

The trotro has always been a symbol of Ghanaian resilience moving people through traffic, hardship, and uncertainty. Let us ensure it does not become a symbol of exploitation.

From Assessment to Advancement: The Role of the Marzano Teacher Evaluation Model

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Wisdom Klu, the writer

Teacher quality is the most momentous in school factor impacting student learning outcomes, which enhances teacher effectiveness, a preference in any school advancement strategy. The Marzano Teacher Evaluation Model (MTEM) aims to appraise and also to refine instructional strategies by substantiating, understanding performance standards and employing evidence-based strategies for professional advancement.

Research invariably reveals that evaluation systems highlight a clear data-based, boost reflective practices, and offers desired outcome opportunities, result in outstanding developments in teaching quality and student achievement (Basileo & Toth, 2019; Narinesingh, 2020; Smylie, 2014; Taylor & Tyler, 2012).

MTEM’s well-defined domains create a clear pathway from assessment to advancement, ensuring that teachers’ development directly fuels school improvement.

Core Components of the Marzano Teacher Evaluation Model:

  • Classroom Strategies and Behaviours

According to Basileo and Toth (2019), this field is one major powerful illustration of how teachers affect student learning. Effective questioning, student participation, strong and flexible classroom management are essential for attaining success. Taylor and Tyler (2012) deduced that suggestions based on knowledge within this field improves performance both during and post-evaluation cycles, and recommend that observant instructional feedback leads to a prolonged benefits.

  • Planning and Preparing

Narinesingh (2020) established similarity between enhanced scores in MTEM’s planning domain and student mastery improvements. Smylie (2014) emphasized that evaluation systems should relate to professional development which involves alignment of curriculum, differentiation, and preparation of resources. Purposeful data-centric task planning is crucial for remodelling lesson delivery into a vital method for promoting objectives and academic excellence.

  • Reflecting on Teaching and Inclusion

Objective analysis of data reinforces reflection as an essential driver for instructional improvement. Narinesingh (2020) pinpointed that reflective practices through MTEM improves mastery of subjects while Taylor and Tyler (2012) revealed that standardized self-reflection promotes continuous improvements. Hence, reflection serves as a visionary method for dynamic teaching.

  • Collegiality, Professionalism, and the School Environment

Basileo & Toth (2019) and Smylie (2014) uncovered that teacher recommendations examine professional collaboration, which indicates teamwork, communication and coordination among teachers for evaluating the works of students, using effective strategies for teaching and co-directing is not only beneficial to only individual professional growth besides it also boosts overall school conclusiveness.

Indeed, the amalgamation of these studies illustrates that MTEM is efficacious as it evaluates actual performance whereas distributing a foundation for future development. Basileo and Toth (2019) stress the connection between key performance of students and classroom practices. Both Narinesingh (2020) and Smylie (2014) highlight that assessments should be matched to professional learning for sustainable development. Taylor and Tyler (2012) present extensively data showing that well-structured assessments lead to continuing benefits.

In furtherance, the strength of MTEM depends on its synthesis of observation, reflection, and professional growth in a co-operative environment. For school leaders embracing MTEM, it is very important to fulfil to ongoing support, feedback loops, and opportunities for teachers to collaborate to totally grasp its benefits.

Implications for Practice and Policy

  • For Teachers: Regard assessment feedback as a steer for focused growth, highlighting intensive effect on teaching strategies.
  • For School Leaders: Employ MTEM data to form professional training and learning schedules that aim to investigate instructional needs.
  • For Policymakers: Approve assessments frameworks that embody professional education into the assessment procedures, as this method is constantly integrated to lifelong developments.

Conclusion

The Marzano Teacher Evaluation Model presents a skeletal framework that links professional development to educational advancement of schools with its four domains: classroom strategies, planning, reflection, and collegiality. These collectively refine teaching quality and enhance student success. When enacted arm in arm with periodic feedback and continuous professional development, MTEM remodels assessment into a method of preceding improvement, as an alternative sheer consent.

This technique promotes a co-operative school environment where teachers encounter the mandatory advocate to enhance their practices, fill educational gaps, and attain measurable benefits in student academic achievement. Finally, MTEM surpasses at changing evaluation into practical improvement that boosts both teaching and learning.

By Wisdom KoudjoKlu

wisdomklu@gmail.com

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Chronicle’s stance.

Seidu Agongo Calls for National Support System for Families of Fallen Public Servants

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Alhaji Seidu Agongo

Businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Seidu Agongo has issued a powerful call for the establishment of a national support system to care for the families of public servants who die in active service. His appeal comes in the wake of the recent tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two government ministers and six others.

In a heartfelt Facebook post titled “National Loss, Personal Pain: The Families We Must Not Forget”, Alhaji Agongo urged the government and citizens of Ghana to move beyond ceremonial mourning and prioritize long-term welfare for the dependents left behind—particularly children, spouses, and other dependents.

“These are not just names on a list. They were fathers, husbands, breadwinners, and mentors,” Agongo wrote. “Their sudden absence has created lifelong emotional and financial voids that cannot be filled by condolences alone.”

The tragic crash, which occurred last Wednesday, claimed the lives of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Dr. Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Agongo’s impassioned statement calls for a systemic shift in how Ghana supports the families of its fallen public servants.

He emphasized the need for education scholarships, housing assistance, mental health services, skills training for widows and widowers, and long-term financial security through pensions or insurance schemes.

“We cannot allow their families to suffer alone and in silence after the united, loud outpouring of grief,” he said. “They must not suffer the same abandonment that has befallen others.”

Citing past examples—including the families of the late Deputy Finance Minister John Kumah, President John Evans Atta Mills, and Major Maxwell Adam Mahama—Agongo highlighted the painful reality of forgotten families once the public mourning fades.

He referenced remarks made by the widow of John Kumah, who spoke out about feelings of betrayal and rejection from people they once trusted. “People we thought would be there — the way they turned their backs on us,” she said.

While some state initiatives have been launched in response to such tragedies—like the Major Mahama Trust Fund and the current mental health support for those affected by the recent crash—Agongo argues these efforts are often isolated and insufficient.

Alhaji Agongo called for a comprehensive national framework to institutionalize the welfare of all public servants who die while serving the country—not just high-profile individuals.”Every police officer, soldier, teacher, healthcare worker, or civil servant who dies in service leaves behind people who depended on them. Their sacrifice to the nation should be honored not just with words, but with concrete, lasting support,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of collective responsibility, reminding Ghanaians that “the test of our humanity is not in how we treat people when we need them, but how we care for their families when they can no longer benefit us.”

As the nation continues to mourn, Agongo urged prompt action to protect and support grieving families, warning that the opportunity for meaningful change is fleeting.

“The time for action is now, while our grief is fresh and our commitment is strong. Tomorrow may be too late.”

Alhaji Seidu Agongo, known for his philanthropic efforts and social advocacy, concluded by asserting that caring for the families of fallen public servants is not an act of charity but a moral obligation and a measure of the country’s character.

‘Ganja’ Smoking Cop Pulls Rifle On Colleagues ….To Allegedly Prevent Arrest Of Narcotics Suspects At Adabraka

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BERNICE BESSEY
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Court

A shocking incident involving a serving police officer allegedly pulling a loaded rifle on his colleagues to forcibly free a suspect in a narcotics case, has landed three people before the Circuit Court 11 in Accra.

No. 52620 G/Cpl. Awudu Alhassan Shaban, a 31-year-old police officer with the Regional Visibility Unit in Accra, is facing a charge of interference with arrest and seizure, contrary to Section 49(a) of the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020 (Act 1019).

Shaban, who appeared before Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah on Thursday, pleaded not guilty.

He is standing trial with two others – a couple, Joyce Osabutey, 40 and Joseph Amardi, also known as “Blackie” or “Ofie”, 58 – who are facing related charges, including Unlawful Control of Narcotic Drugs and Abetment of Crime.

The Shocking Confrontation

According to the brief facts presented by Prosecuting Officer ASP Issah Achiburi, on July 30, 2025 around 8:45 a.m., officers from the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) at CID Headquarters acted on intelligence and stormed the Adabraka Workers College area, near the TUC building, for an anti-narcotics operation.

During the raid, officers arrested a young man, later identified as Buabeng, a student of Accra Technical University (ATU), who was allegedly involved in the use and trade of narcotic substances.

As officers attempted to handcuff Buabeng, G/Cpl. Shaban reportedly dressed in black police trousers and a white singlet suddenly appeared at the scene wielding his service rifle, a C-Z No. F201010 loaded with 20 rounds.

In a dramatic turn, he allegedly pointed the weapon at Detective Inspector James Brobbey and threatened to shoot, if the suspect was not released. Fearing for their safety, officers released the suspect on the spot.

Shaban reportedly ordered the entire police team to vacate the area. However, the officers tactically overpowered him and he was arrested at the scene.

A subsequent search at the location led to the discovery of 24 plain rubber wraps of dried plant material suspected to be narcotics, a black police shirt embroidered with the name “Awudu” and the Ghana Police crown, a black helmet, a black muffler and various types of cigarettes.

Shaban and the seized items were transferred to the CID Headquarters and later handed over to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for further investigation.

Further Arrests and Confessions

The next day, police returned to the scene with Shaban, who pointed out Joseph Amardi and Joyce Osabutey as the owners of the narcotics base. The couple was arrested.

In her caution statement, Joyce Osabutey admitted ownership of the 24 rubber wraps of suspected narcotics and claimed her husband sold the drugs when she was unavailable.

Amardi corroborated her story and further alleged that the accused officer, G/Cpl. Shaban, frequently visited the premises to smoke marijuana, hashish and other narcotics.

The student, Buabeng, remains at large and efforts are underway to apprehend him.

The seized substances are to be sent to the Police Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis.

All three accused persons have pleaded not guilty and have been remanded into police custody. The case has been adjourned to August 18, 2025, for continuation.

Meanwhile, Buabeng remains a wanted man as police continue their investigation.

Kwabena Agyapong Wants By-Elections Scrapped: Proposes A Political Convention

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Ing Kwabena Agyei Agyapong

Ing Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, a former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who is also aspiring to lead the party as flagbearer, has suggested to the Speaker of Parliament, the Electoral Commission (EC) and both NPP and National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership to adopt a conventional  method whenever an MP’s seat falls vacant, instead of conducting  by-elections.

“Therefore, I humbly propose to you, Sir, Rt Hon Speaker, Chairman NDC, NPP and Chairperson EC, a bold yet feasible reform as a CONVENTION, when an MP’s seat falls vacant, the incumbent party be allowed to simply select a successor through its internal democratic mechanisms, without triggering a by-election with all its associated risks mentioned above”, he suggested in a letter sent to the Speaker of Parliament.

The following is the full content of his proposal as contained in the letter;

To: The Speaker of Parliament,

Chairman NDC,

Chairman NPP,

Chairperson EC,

The Ghana Peace Council,

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations.

Dear Esteemed Countrymen,

I write to you today, as a Ghanaian citizen deeply unsettled by a pattern that has evolved repeatedly to now threaten the peace and dignity of our democracy.

This period of national mourning and deep sober reflection occasioned by tragic events of last week, somehow provides a wonderful opportunity to develop a political CONVENTION anchored by true consensus of key political actors in our beloved country, Ghana.

Time and again, we have witnessed by-elections develop into scenes of fear, aggression and needless damage to lives and property.

It is noteworthy to recall Atiwa, Chereponi, Akwatia and Ayawaso West Wuogon among others, where armed and masked party operatives and vigilantes have caused mayhem, leaving many scared for life and undermining of our hard-earned reputation as an oasis of peace in a turbulent sub-region.

These are not distant memories, but part of a disturbing, recurring cycle, typified by the recent July 2025 rerun of some polling station elections in Ablekuma North, where we saw the emergence of shocking parallels: state-linked forces, law enforcement hesitation, high-profile targets attacked and post-violence-blame games impeding justice .

This can no longer continue while we grow numb, with all due respect.

I trust that our democracy should inspire hope, rather than the hazards we behold every now and then. Democracy cannot flourish amid fear, violence and impunity.

Therefore, I humbly propose to you, Sir, Rt Hon Speaker, Chairman NDC, NPP and Chairperson EC, a bold yet feasible reform as a CONVENTION, when an MP’s seat falls vacant, the incumbent party be allowed to simply select a successor through its internal democratic mechanisms, without triggering a by-election with all its associated risks mentioned above.

This approach acknowledges our peculiar reality and deals head-on with the disturbing issues we face. It saves public resources, protects lives and thwarts the escalating cycle of partisan violence. More importantly, it offers us an opportunity to nurture consensus building among political actors.

We need to redirect our energies towards peaceful coexistence. Let’s elevate this dialogue beyond partisan lines and inspire national consensus. Akwatia and Tamale Central can lead the way.

Ghana is stronger than our worst moments. Our shared cultural roots and aspirations are more than the conflicts at polling stations.

Political leaders should inspire hope in every rural classroom, every urban market, every unemployed graduate seeking opportunity.

Let us prove that our politics can protect democracy and our generation in particular will not leave it fractured.

Let us break this destructive cycle together, not with empty speeches, but with courageous, consensual reform. Our legacy and the future of our people depends on it.

 

With unwavering resolve,

Yours in the Service of God and Country,

Ing Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.

General’s Place,

6 Anang Loop,

Otinshie,

East Legon, Accra.

Asantehemaa Passes On

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, Late Asantehemaa

The Asantehemaa, Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III has passed on, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene has officially announced.

Otumfuo made the disclosure at an emergency meeting of the Asanteman Council yesterday, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

The King said the One Week Observation of the Queen mother will take place at the forecourt of Manhyia Palace on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

In February 2017, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in consultation with the royal family, appointed his then 83-year-old elder sister, Nana Ama Konadu, as the 14th Asantehemaa to succeed her late mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.

Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem, the 13th Asantehemaa, passed away in November 2016 at the age of 111, after reigning for 39 years.

Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III was born in 1927 to the 13th Asantehemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem III (1977-2016) and Opanin Kofi Foffie, also known as Koofie or Keewuo of Besease, near Atimatim, a suburb of Kumasi. He was a Carpenter by profession.

Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III was the first born of Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi’s five children, the youngest of whom is Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III, known in early life as Nana Panin, had informal palace education.

In 1959, at the age of about 22, Nana Panin was christened and baptised into the Saviour Church of Ghana and christened Ruth.

She was also of the Anglican Church by convention, since every Asantehene and Asantehemaa becomes an automatic member and patron of the Anglican Church.

By occupation, Nana Konadu Yiadom III was a Caterer who specialised in local dishes. She was also into food crop farming and petty trading. Her hobbies were cooking, music and dance.

Court orders psychiatric evaluation of alleged armed robber

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Court

The Circuit Court 11, presided over by Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah, has ordered a psychiatric examination for 26-year-old Nana Yaw Boakye, an unemployed man, accused of attempted robbery and causing unlawful harm to a female student.

The directive followed what the court described as “strange behavior” exhibited by Boakye, after he initially pleaded guilty to the charges.

Upon being asked to plead for mitigation, Boakye abruptly reversed his narrative, claiming he was the actual victim in the case and was being wrongfully pursued.

He also made inconsistent statements about his identity and background, claiming to be Nigerian, but unable to identify which state he hails from.

“I was running from Nima to help my father at Teshie. I didn’t know what I had done when people started chasing me,” he shouted in court, accompanied by exaggerated gestures, which raised concerns about his mental state.

Although Boakye had already pleaded guilty to both counts, the judge ruled that his behaviour suggested he might not have fully understood the implications of his plea.

“The accused’s behaviour depicts someone who may have mental challenges and hereby orders the accused be sent to the Accra Psychiatric hospital assessment,” Judge Adjei-Tawiah stated.

As a result, a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf and he was remanded into custody until August 21, 2025 pending the results of the psychiatric assessment.

According to the brief facts presented by Chief Inspector Rosemond Anyane, the incident occurred on July 25, 2025 at around 7:30 a.m.

The complainant, a student living at the Teshie Police Barracks, had gone to the Teshie market to buy porridge when she realised the accused was following her.

Without warning, Boakye allegedly stabbed her multiple times in the right hand and ribs, in an attempt to steal her phone.

The victim was rushed to the Teshie Family Health Hospital, where she received treatment and was later discharged.

Police investigations led to the arrest of Boakye, the following day. A knife suspected to have been used in the attack was found in his possession, and he reportedly admitted to the offence during interrogation.

The court awaits the outcome of the psychiatric evaluation before proceeding with trial.

Soldier, 6 others remanded over fuel tank robbery & kidnapping 

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Corporal Bernard Bortey, suspect

The Accra Circuit Court, presided over by His Honour Samuel Bright Acquah, has remanded a serving soldier, Corporal Bernard Bortey and six other suspects into police custody, in connection with the armed robbery and kidnapping of a fuel tanker driver and his mate.

The accused, including Cpl. Bortey (A1), were arraigned on Monday and pleaded not guilty to four charges: conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, kidnapping and abetment of robbery.

The court adjourned the case to August 25, 2025 while investigations continue.

The six other accused persons are: Mark Abito (A2), 34, a fuel tanker driver; Ganiu Abdulai (A3), 31, a driver; Atiiga Banabas (A4), 26, unemployed; Awine Ibrahim (A5), 25, a tanker driver’s mate; Muniru Ayebo (A6), 19, a tanker driver’s mate and Shaibu Adams (A7), 27, a tanker driver’s mate

The court also issued a directive for the release of the stolen tanker, a DAF diesel fuel truck with registration number GT-2493-20 and its 54,000 litres of diesel, valued at GH¢769,500.00 to its owner, Petroland Ltd., represented in court by Mr. Appiah Kubi.

The decision followed a request from the prosecution citing safety concerns over the vehicle being parked in the open at the police station.

The facts presented by the prosecution, led by ASP Issah Achibari holding brief for ASP Emmanuel Heligah, indicated that the robbery took place on August 6, 2025 at Pampaso Number 1, in the Eastern Region.

According to the police, Cpl. Bortey, stationed at the Ghana Armed Forces’ Teaching and Doctrine College and four other accomplices – Raphael Amartey, Arhin and two others, all currently at large, trailed a fuel tanker from Tema to Pampaso.

At gunpoint, they intercepted the truck and kidnapped the driver, Jerry Kawuo, and his mate, Desmond Owusu Junior, forcing them into a green pickup (GX 2881-22).

The stolen fuel tanker was allegedly driven to Pacific Fuel Station at Bunso Junction, where the other accused persons were caught red-handed attempting to discharge the fuel into an empty tanker (GN 804-13) using a pumping machine.

Around 12:30 a.m. on August 7, 2025 police at a checkpoint in Ablekuma Borkorborkor arrested Cpl. Bortey, who was in military uniform.

The victims, still handcuffed in the pickup, managed to raise an alarm, prompting the arrest. Follow-up investigations led to the arrest of the other six accused at Bunso Junction.

According to the prosecutor, the group had planned the heist in advance, splitting into two teams—one to monitor the tanker from Tema, and another, led by Cpl. Bortey, to execute the robbery at Pampaso.

All seven suspects have been remanded into police custody to reappear in court on August 25, 2025.

Police say efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects currently at large.

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