Two young men have been sentenced to five years in prison with hard labour for stealing a loaded firearm and ammunition from the residence of an immigration officer in Walewale, northern Ghana.
The Ghana Police Service confirmed the conviction in a statement on Friday, 23 May 2025, following a swift trial that concluded just a day earlier.
Mustapha Basit, 18, and Baba Rasid, 22, were charged with conspiracy to steal and stealing. They appeared before the Walewale Circuit Court on Thursday, 22 May, where they pleaded guilty to both charges.
Presiding judge Justice Francis Asobayeri handed each of them a five-year custodial sentence after accepting their plea.
According to the police, the incident occurred on Saturday, 17 May 2025, around midday. The two men reportedly entered the room of the immigration officer while he was away and stole a loaded Smith & Wesson pistol containing 10 rounds of ammunition, along with two CZ rifle magazines, each holding 30 rounds.
The authorities say the stolen items were recovered, though the police did not disclose details on how they were retrieved.
The police noted that preparations are underway to transfer the convicts to the appropriate prison facilities to begin serving their sentences.
Law enforcement officials highlighted the case as an example of the justice system working effectively to deter criminal activity. “The swift prosecution underscores our commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring accountability,” the police statement read.
The public has been urged to stay alert and report any suspicious behaviour to support ongoing security efforts across the country.
