Police arrest man for faking robbery and kidnapping in Kasoa

Police in the Central Region have arrested a 35-year-old man for allegedly staging his own robbery and kidnapping in order to extort money from his father.

The suspect, identified as Benjamin Owusu of Gyankama in the Eastern Region, was picked up on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, after investigations revealed that he deliberately inflicted injuries on himself and fabricated a robbery attack near Millennium City, Gomoa Nyanyano.

According to the Ghana Police Service, the case began when Owusu’s father received a distress call at about 3:00 a.m. on the day of the incident.

“The complainant, who is the father of the suspect, received a phone call from his son who claimed he had been attacked and injured by unknown assailants. He further alleged that his captors were demanding a ransom,” the police statement said.

When officers arrived at the supposed crime scene, they found inconsistencies in the suspect’s story. A medical examination at the Millennium City District Hospital confirmed that Owusu’s wounds were self-inflicted. Ballistic tests also revealed no evidence of gunshots, contrary to his claims.

Head of Public Affairs for the Central East Region, DSP Victor Kofi Dosoo, confirmed the arrest.

“Our investigations established beyond doubt that Benjamin Owusu staged the entire incident. He faked his kidnapping and injuries with the intention of obtaining money under false pretenses,” DSP Dosoo said.

He added that police take such actions seriously, as they waste security resources and create unnecessary fear.

“This is a clear warning that anyone who tries to deceive the public or the police with false information will face the full consequences of the law,” he stressed.

The police further assured the public that efforts are being intensified to clamp down on individuals who make prank kidnapping reports.

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“False kidnapping claims undermine genuine cases and divert critical resources away from real victims who need urgent assistance,” the statement warned.

The accused is currently in custody and will be arraigned before court in the coming days.