Barber ex-convict remanded for armed taxi robbery at Haatso

An Accra Circuit Court has remanded 40-year-old barber and ex-convict Vincent Gbetorglo for allegedly robbing a taxi driver at Haatso in January this year.

Prosecutors say Gbetorglo, together with two accomplices—Peter Akakpo, alias Dompe, and one Ali, both still at large—snatched a Toyota Corolla taxi (GM 292-16) from driver Martin Obeng on New Year’s Day. The suspects also took his driver’s licence, Ghana Card, vehicle papers, GH¢700 in cash, a Samsung Galaxy A05 smartphone, and an MTN SIM card reportedly loaded with GH¢13,000.

According to police, the men hired the taxi from Madina Zongo Junction to Haatso. Near the ICGC Chapel, one suspect pretended to get down, creating an opening for Gbetorglo to grab the driver from behind while the others tied him up and covered his face. The victim was then moved to the back seat as the accused drove the vehicle to Westland, abandoning him before fleeing with the car and valuables.

Gbetorglo was arrested on July 30, 2025, at Accra Mall following police intelligence. Searches allegedly recovered the victim’s phone, SIM cards, and other devices. Investigators revealed that Gbetorglo, a Togolese national, had previously been sentenced to 40 years in 2011 by Cocoa Affairs Court One but was released in 2023 after a successful appeal.

He has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and robbery and is due back in court on August 21, 2025, while police continue the hunt for his alleged accomplices.