Trader and five others robbed

Kumasi, Jan 21, GNA - Armed robbers stepped up their operation in the Ashanti Region as they robbed a trader and five others of their monies and property worth several millions of cedis at Atwima-Techiman near Kwadaso-Ohwim in the Kumasi metropolis on Thursday. The robbers, who were said to be in a gang of about 12 and wielding guns and other offensive weapons, stormed the houses of their victims at midnight amidst the firing of warning shots. They then took them hostage and bolted away with their monies and property worth several millions of cedis.

Mr Kwadwo Aboba, one of the victims who narrated his ordeal to the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi on Friday, said, "they ordered me to surrender everything I have or have my head blown off if I failed to meet their request".

The 30-year-old trader said on the day of the incident he was awoken from his sleep by the incessant warning shots by the robbers who surrounded his house. He said the robbers subsequently forced open his door and "told me to surrender everything I have after they had dragged me to the main hall".

He said in the process they took away his 5.2 million cedis cash, a mobile phone and personal effects before proceeding to two other houses in the neighbourhood where they robbed five other people of their monies and property.

When contacted the Sofoline police who are investigating the incident confirmed the story and said a manhunt had been launched for the arrest of the culprits.