Security agencies search for leader of armed robbers

Tema (Greater Accra), 27th October 99

The Security agencies have mounted a big search for George Amoako, leader of eight armed robbers who looted San Bao Pharmaceutical Company at Kpone on Sunday night.

One of the robbers identified as Abinga was shot dead while two others were wounded in a gun battle with the police and the military. They mentioned their leader as Amoako based at Ashaiman.

The robbers who were armed with weapons including AK 47 assault rifles stormed the newly established Free Zone factory at about 10.30 p.m. and broke into 12 rooms under heavy gun fire.

The wounded included three Chinese nationals, Mr. King, Sales Manager, Mr. Chang Shingschi, Pharmacist and Mr. More Kenai, Electrician who were tortured with gun butts and iron bars to surrender cash on them. Eight other workers sustained minor injuries.

One of the Chinese who was seen by the robbers using his mobile phone, narrowly escaped death when the robbers fired several shots at him. Luckily his call went to his director who also called the police.

Items stolen from the premises included 2,900 dollars, three million Cedis, jewels and a mobile phone.

The robbers were unable to take away TV sets, Video decks and other personal belongings which they had packed into two vehicles of the company but abandoned it when the military and police arrived on the scene.

Some of the robbers left behind their slippers and took away shoes belonging to the factory workers.

The Chinese said they feel seriously traumatised and insecure by the incident at the factory which was commissioned on September three, this year, by President Jerry John Rawlings.

In another development, Madam Naa Afieye Ashong, MP for Kpone Katamanso has commended the Police and the Military for the prompt response to the call which helped to rescue workers of the factory.

She said it is unfortunate that armed robbers are bent on sabotaging government's efforts at bringing investors to Ghana to help create employment and improve the country's economy.

She called on the Tema District Security Committee (DISEC) to take up the challenge to protect investors at the Export Processing Zone by working out a system that would give them 24 hours security.

Madam Ashong recognised the assistance given by the Tema Municipal Assembly in support of the security agencies and appealed to other companies in Tema to also donate in cash or in kind to help improve security.