Two police officers remanded over missing assault rifles

An Accra Circuit Court has remanded two police officers into custody over their alleged involvement in the disappearance of 16 CZ assault rifles belonging to the Ghana Police Service.

The accused—Lance Corporal William Atia Asitanga, 32, and Lance Corporal Sulemana Zanya Abdul-Rahman, 27—are facing charges of abetment of crime (stealing). Asitanga, who also served as an armourer, has been slapped with an additional charge of stealing the rifles. Both have pleaded not guilty.

The trial, presided over by Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah, saw the prosecution, led by DSP Emmanuel Nyamekye, request additional time to wrap up investigations and file disclosures. The judge granted the request, adjourning the matter to September 10, 2025.

DSP Nyamekye told the court that some of the stolen rifles had already been retrieved, though investigations were still ongoing.

Background to the Case

According to the facts presented, the Ghana Police Service itself is the complainant in the matter.

Asitanga, stationed at the National Counter Terrorism Department in Accra, was also the armourer responsible for the department’s arms and ammunition.

Abdul-Rahman, on the other hand, was stationed at Asiwa in the Bekwai District of the Ashanti Region.

In March 2024, an internal audit uncovered that 16 rifles were unaccounted for. When questioned, Asitanga — who had custody of the armoury — could not provide explanations.

This triggered a deeper probe, leading to the arrest of the two officers. Both are currently assisting investigators as efforts continue to recover all the missing weapons.

The two officers remain in custody while the police pursue leads to trace the rifles and establish the full extent of the alleged conspiracy.