The usually quiet neighborhood opposite the Tema Community 9 cemetery in Ghana was rocked by violence on the night of Friday, November 7, 2025, after a brazen robbery ended with the tragic death of a 68-year-old British national. According to a statement from the Tema Regional Police Command, the incident unfolded at a local drinking spot where the victim, whose identity has not yet been publicly released, was enjoying the evening with friends and acquaintances.
As reported by Graphic Online and corroborated by the Ghana News Agency, the peaceful gathering was suddenly interrupted when six young men arrived at the scene on two motorbikes. The assailants, described by police as young and moving with purpose, split up as two of them approached the group. In a matter of moments, what began as a casual night out turned into a chaotic and deadly encounter.
Police spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Dede Dzakpasu, Head of Public Affairs for the Tema Regional Police Command, detailed the sequence of events in an official statement. She explained, “Two of the assailants approached the group, and one snatched the victim’s mobile phone from the table.” The theft was swift, but the victim, perhaps acting on instinct or a sense of indignation, attempted to retrieve his phone from the thief. That decision, according to police accounts, proved fatal. “When the victim attempted to retrieve his phone, one of the attackers shot him before the gang fled the scene on their motorbikes,” ASP Dzakpasu said.
The sound of gunfire sent shockwaves through the area, and the attackers wasted no time in making their escape. Witnesses immediately rushed to the victim’s aid, and he was quickly transported to the Tema General Hospital. Despite these efforts, medical personnel pronounced him dead shortly after his arrival. The sense of loss among those present was palpable, with one bystander reportedly shaking his head in disbelief: "It all happened so fast. One minute we were talking, the next there was shouting and then a gunshot. It’s hard to believe someone lost their life over a phone."
As the news spread, the police moved swiftly to secure the scene and begin their investigation. Officers recovered a 9mm spent shell, which has since been processed for evidential purposes. The shell, now a key piece of forensic evidence, may help authorities trace the weapon used in the attack and, potentially, the suspects themselves. According to the police, witnesses who were present during the incident have already been interviewed to assist with the ongoing investigation. Their accounts, along with any available security footage from nearby businesses, are expected to play a crucial role in piecing together exactly how the robbery and shooting unfolded.
The gravity of the crime has prompted a full-scale response from law enforcement. The Tema Regional Police Command has launched what they describe as a "manhunt" for the suspects, vowing to leave no stone unturned in their effort to bring those responsible to justice. In the words of ASP Dzakpasu, “Efforts are ongoing to contact the British High Commission to officially notify them of the death of their national.” She further assured the public, “Every effort is being made to arrest the suspects and bring them to justice.”
For the local community, the incident has sparked a renewed sense of vulnerability and concern about public safety. Residents, already wary of the rising trend of motorbike-related robberies in parts of Ghana, are now grappling with the reality that such violence can erupt anywhere, even in familiar social spaces. The fact that the victim was a foreign national has only heightened the attention surrounding the case, with some expressing fears about the potential impact on the area’s reputation and on international relations.
According to Graphic Online, the police have not released the name of the victim pending official notification of his family and the British High Commission. Efforts are reportedly underway to ensure that all diplomatic protocols are observed, given the international dimension of the tragedy. The British High Commission has yet to issue a public statement, but it is expected that consular officials will work closely with Ghanaian authorities as the investigation proceeds.
This violent episode has also reignited conversations about the prevalence of armed robberies involving motorbikes in Ghanaian urban centers. In recent years, there have been growing calls for stricter regulation of motorbike use, particularly in densely populated areas where such vehicles are often used to facilitate quick getaways. Law enforcement officials have acknowledged the challenge, noting that the mobility and anonymity provided by motorbikes make it difficult to track suspects after such crimes are committed.
In the wake of Friday’s attack, the police have appealed to the public for any information that might aid in the apprehension of the suspects. Community leaders and local business owners have echoed this call, urging residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to authorities. The hope is that with collective effort and cooperation, the perpetrators will be identified and brought to justice, providing some measure of closure to the victim’s family and restoring a sense of security to the neighborhood.
The incident has also prompted questions about the adequacy of security measures in public gathering places. Some patrons of the drinking spot where the shooting occurred have suggested that increased police patrols or the installation of surveillance cameras could help deter future crimes. Others have called for greater community engagement and education about personal safety, particularly in areas known to be frequented by both locals and foreigners.
As the investigation continues, the Tema Regional Police Command has promised to keep the public informed of any significant developments. In the meantime, the community mourns the loss of a life that, by all accounts, was ended far too soon. The victim’s friends and acquaintances have described him as a friendly and generous individual who enjoyed spending time with others and had a deep appreciation for Ghanaian culture. His untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the senselessness of violent crime and the urgent need for effective measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
For now, the search for justice presses on. The police remain committed to tracking down those responsible, and the community holds out hope that answers—and accountability—will soon be forthcoming.
