A former police officer and an accomplice have each received 25-year prison sentences with hard labour. The Tamale High Court delivered the verdict for conspiracy to commit armed robbery. This conviction relates to a high-profile armed robbery in the city.
The court found G/Cpl Suleman Ayuba Gbana, formerly of the Tamale District Police Station, and Adam Siba guilty. Their conviction occurred on July 20, 2026, after the trial concluded. The robbery incident itself took place on April 15, 2020. Armed assailants attacked two foreign exchange dealers, Issahaku Sumaila and Baba Fuseini. The attack happened at the entrance of the then Mum Hotel on the Tamale-Bolgatanga Highway. The robbers shot both men and escaped with GHS 530,000 in cash, alongside other foreign currencies.
This case underscores persistent challenges within Ghana's security apparatus. Incidents involving former or serving security personnel in criminal activities erode public confidence. Such events can also deter investment and impact the overall economic stability of regions like Tamale. The theft of a significant sum, GHS 530,000, represents a substantial financial loss. It also highlights the risks faced by individuals involved in cash-intensive businesses, such as foreign exchange. The broader economic implications include potential increases in security costs for businesses and a perception of heightened risk in commercial transactions.
Investigations by the Northern Regional Police Command linked Gbana to the robbery syndicate. An arrested suspect named him as a member of the group. A subsequent search of Gbana's residence yielded a Ghana Police Service pistol, 10 rounds of ammunition, and three pairs of handcuffs. Police stated that the pistol had been issued to Gbana during an earlier posting as a police bodyguard. He unlawfully retained it after his reassignment. Officers arrested Gbana on April 23, 2020, and the Police Service interdicted him pending the trial's outcome. The court acquitted and discharged a third suspect, Mohammed Iddrisu, on all charges. It also ordered the return of the pistol and ammunition, tendered as exhibits, to the Ghana Police.
The sentencing sends a strong message regarding accountability within the security services. It aims to deter other officers from engaging in criminal acts. This outcome could help restore some public trust in law enforcement. However, the incident highlights the need for continuous internal oversight and stricter controls over police assets. Businesses and individuals handling large sums of cash will continue to monitor security measures. They will also observe how law enforcement addresses internal corruption and criminal involvement. The Ghana Police Service faces ongoing pressure to maintain integrity and ensure the safety of citizens and their assets. This verdict marks a significant step in addressing a serious breach of public trust and security in the Northern Region.