The Sekondi Circuit Court has sentenced a 36-year-old Nigerian national, Stanley Afaku, to ten years in prison for his involvement in an armed robbery at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in the Western Region.
Afaku, along with his Ghanaian accomplice, Egya Acquah, reportedly stormed the hospital’s pharmacy at night, held the security guard at gunpoint, tied him up, and made away with a flat-screen television.
The brazen incident, which raised serious concerns about hospital security, occurred earlier this month. Investigators later tracked the suspects to a hideout in Esiama, where both were arrested without incident and subsequently arraigned before the court.
During the court proceedings, Afaku pleaded guilty to the charges. In delivering judgment, the presiding judge sentenced him to ten years imprisonment with hard labour. The court further ruled that Afaku will be deported to Nigeria after serving his full term.
His co-accused, Egya Acquah, however, pleaded not guilty and has been remanded into police custody pending further trial.
The case has drawn public attention, with many residents expressing relief at the swift apprehension and sentencing. Hospital officials have called for improved security measures to prevent future incidents, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance in health facilities.
Police say investigations are still ongoing, and additional charges may be brought depending on the outcome of the trial of the second accused.
