GHS199,000 GOLD Heist: Police Nab Three Suspects in Robbery of Max Palasco Employees at Wassa Afransie

Following an intelligence-driven operation, the Western Central Regional Police Command has successfully apprehended three suspects believed to be involved in a brazen robbery that targeted employees of Mas Palasco Gold Buying Limited in Wassa Afransie, located in the Western Region.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Felix Adjei, also known as Africa or Nana Adjei; Emmanuel Kelvin, a Nigerian national; and Kofi Appiah, also known as Kesse. These suspects are accused of robbing the company’s employees of gold valued at an estimated GHS 199,000.00, in addition to other valuables.

Initial investigations reveal that on April 4th, 2025, Kofi Appiah, who served as a driver for Mas Palasco Gold Buying Limited, and another employee, Emmanuel Adu, were en route back from Wassa Ayiem after collecting a quantity of gold from a client. As they traveled, armed men unexpectedly emerged from the surrounding bush, discharging warning shots to halt the vehicle. The suspects then proceeded to abscond with 14 pounds of gold, two mobile phones, and an unregistered Toyota Corolla vehicle. The stolen Toyota Corolla was subsequently discovered abandoned in a nearby community.

Continued investigation efforts ultimately led to the arrest of Kofi Appiah at his residence in Wassa Akropong on April 21st, 2025. The remaining two suspects were later apprehended at their respective hideouts.

During the arrest, law enforcement officers recovered significant evidence, including a Jojeff pump-action gun with butt number 168316, a Calymm PDS pistol lacking a serial number, twenty-five rounds of 9mm ammunition, an AA cartridge, two G3 ammunitions, a locally manufactured pistol, and a substantial sum of GHS 65,000 in cash, which police believe to be proceeds from the robbery.

The three suspects are currently being held in police custody and are cooperating with the ongoing investigations. Authorities have assured that they will be subjected to due process and brought before the appropriate legal channels to face justice for their alleged crimes.