Two remanded in Accra over rifle and ammunition case linked to Bawku operation

An Accra Circuit Court has ordered the remand of two men accused of possessing a G3 rifle and ammunition without lawful authority following a security incident in Bawku.

The accused, Musah Aguruba and Issah Awuni, both from Bawkzua, denied charges of conspiracy and unlawful possession when they appeared before the court. They are to return on 14 May 2026.

According to the prosecution, the arrests followed a shooting scare on 27 April at about 2:00pm, when unidentified gunmen allegedly fired shots indiscriminately, causing fear among residents.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Emmanuel Nyamekye told the court that military personnel deployed to the area for peace enforcement moved to the scene after hearing the gunfire. He said the suspects tried to flee when they saw the soldiers, but were chased and arrested at a mosque in Bawkzua.

Police say a search conducted at the mosque in the presence of the two men led to the discovery of a G3 assault rifle bearing serial number G3COF28516, two magazines loaded with 20 rounds each, and 176 rounds of AK-47 ammunition.

The prosecution said the two men denied ownership of the weapons during investigations and maintained that they had only gone to the mosque to pray. They suggested that the premises had been open and that an unknown person could have hidden the items there.

The state says investigations are continuing to test that explanation.