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Ashaiman man arrested for allegedly posing as a soldier to extort residents

Police say Bright Atsu Kudiabor was caught with a camouflage uniform and is helping investigators before any court appearance.

Kokonsa NewsroomFirst published

Sensitive story. Allegations are reported as allegations, not as established fact.

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Pinned summary · as of

Police in the Tema Region say Bright Atsu Kudiabor, 32, was picked up in Ashaiman on suspicion of pretending to be a soldier so that he could collect money from residents. He was seized at about 7am on Wednesday, 16 September, in the area known as "I Shall Return". Police describe him as an ex-convict; the allegations have not been tested in court.

What we know

  • The Tema Regional Police Command said it arrested Mr Kudiabor, aged 32, at around 7am on Wednesday, 16 September, in the Ashaiman neighbourhood known as "I Shall Return".
  • Police allege that he posed as a military officer and took money from unsuspecting people in Ashaiman. Mr Kudiabor has not been convicted of this, and no reply from him appears in the reports.
  • According to the reports, personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service in Ashaiman, helped by residents, first held him and then passed him to police.
  • A search of the suspect turned up a set of military camouflage clothing.
  • Police said he remains in custody helping with inquiries and will be taken to court once the investigation ends.
  • The command urged the public to stay alert and to report anyone who falsely claims to be a soldier or a member of another security agency in order to deceive people or take their money.

What's disputed / unconfirmed

  • The Press Radio reported that police kept the uniform as an exhibit and that investigators are expected to check whether he has done this before and whether other residents were targeted; this has not been confirmed in other reports.
  • The Press Radio also said he was reportedly not a serving soldier, a point that other reports do not address.

Why it matters for Ghana

Residents of Ashaiman and other busy Tema-area communities are being told to be careful when a stranger in uniform asks for money. Police also want people to report suspected impostors to the authorities instead of dealing with them personally. The case will show how officers handle a claim of impersonating the armed forces once it reaches court.

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