Two Officers Charged for Allegedly Assisting in Theft of Police Rifles

Two personnel of the Ghana Police Service have been brought before an Accra Circuit Court in connection with the disappearance of 16 CZ assault rifles from police custody. The officers, Lance Corporal William Atia Asitanga, 32, and Lance Corporal Sulemana Zanya Abdul-Rahman, 27, are facing charges related to their alleged involvement in the theft of the weapons.

Both officers have been charged with abetment of stealing, while Asitanga faces an additional charge of stealing the rifles. The accused individuals pleaded not guilty when they appeared before the court, presided over by Judge Evelyn Asamoah. The court subsequently ordered that they be remanded into lawful custody to assist with ongoing investigations.

During the proceedings, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Emmanuel Nyamekye, who is leading the prosecution, informed the court that law enforcement officers had already managed to retrieve some of the missing rifles. He requested additional time for investigators to complete their inquiries and to prepare and submit full disclosures.

The judge agreed to the request, noting the importance of allowing a thorough investigation, and adjourned the case to September 10, 2025.

According to facts presented in court, the Ghana Police Service initiated the complaint after an internal audit revealed that multiple rifles were missing from the service’s inventory. The audit, conducted in March 2024, uncovered discrepancies in the records kept at the National Counter Terrorism Department, where Lance Corporal Asitanga was serving as the armourer responsible for managing weapons and ammunition.

At the time, Asitanga was stationed in Accra, while his co-accused, Abdul-Rahman, was based at Asiwa in the Bekwai District of the Ashanti Region. The audit showed that 16 CZ assault rifles could not be accounted for, raising immediate concerns about the security and handling of police-issued firearms.

As the officer in charge of the armoury, Asitanga was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the missing weapons, which prompted the launch of a formal investigation. Early findings led to the arrest of both officers, who were subsequently charged and presented in court.

The case has sparked serious concerns within law enforcement circles and among the public, given the potential risks associated with missing assault weapons. The Ghana Police Service has not released a public statement detailing the internal measures being taken but has confirmed the arrests and emphasized its commitment to ensuring accountability within the service.

According to the prosecution, while some of the rifles have been recovered, a number remain unaccounted for, and investigations are ongoing to determine whether more individuals may be involved in the alleged theft.

The incident has reignited calls for stricter monitoring and control over the handling and storage of police armaments, particularly in high-security units like the Counter Terrorism Department. Security experts warn that the diversion of police-issued firearms into the wrong hands could pose serious threats to national and community safety.

As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge, including how the weapons were removed from official custody and what role, if any, other officers or civilians may have played.

Legal proceedings will resume on September 10, when the court will receive updates on the status of the investigation and possibly consider bail applications. Until then, both officers remain in custody.

The outcome of the case is being closely monitored by the public and security stakeholders, as it highlights critical gaps in the internal control systems of the police service and the broader implications of arms mismanagement.