Tension is high in Apitisu, a community in the Amansie Central District, after a failed robbery attempt ended with one suspected armed robber losing his life.
According to reports, a gang of four men — two armed with guns and two with knives — stormed the shop of a local gold buyer, Stephen Bioh, popularly known as Chiga. Their target: gold and cash. But things didn’t go as planned.
Speaking after the attack, Mr. Bioh shared his terrifying encounter:
“I was working at the shop when they ordered me to keep quiet and go into my room. But I knew my wife and newborn were inside, so I refused. One of them stabbed me in the ribs while the others tried to shoot — but their gun failed to fire,” he recounted.
Despite injuries to his ribs and thigh, Mr. Bioh managed to call for help. In the chaos that followed, three of the robbers fled, leaving one behind. Residents say the suspect attempted to hide nearby for nearly two hours but was later discovered and lynched by an angry mob.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for improved security in the area.
Hon. Fredrick Appiah Danquah, Assembly Member for Apitisu Electoral Area, blamed the attack on the lack of a police presence in the community.
“We have a police station building that’s 90% complete, but it’s been abandoned for nine years,” he said. “Criminals are taking advantage of this gap. Our people don’t feel safe.”
He also accused regional patrol teams of prioritizing illegal mining (galamsey) zones over residential neighborhoods.
“We need security. I’m urging the authorities to operationalize the police station immediately to protect lives and property,” he pleaded.
The Amansie Central Police Command has since retrieved the body of the deceased suspect as investigations continue.