• Bekwai court gives robber 20 years after pragya rider was tied to a tree and left in the bush
• Pragya robbery turns near-death ordeal as court jails attacker for two decades
• 20-year sentence sparks debate after brutal pragya hijacking in Bekwai
A Bekwai Circuit Court has sentenced Michael Antwi Boasiako to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after finding him guilty of robbing a pragya auto rickshaw in a violent incident that occurred in August 2025. The conviction brings partial closure to a case that highlighted the growing dangers faced by commercial vehicle operators, particularly in semi-urban and rural communities.
According to facts presented by the prosecution, Boasiako and an accomplice, who remains at large, executed the robbery under the guise of being ordinary passengers. The court heard that the unsuspecting rider agreed to transport the two men, only for the journey to turn into a nightmare.
At a secluded point along the route, the suspects reportedly launched an attack on the rider. They overpowered him, restrained him, and tied him to a tree in a nearby bush before fleeing with the pragya auto rickshaw. The calculated nature of the attack, prosecutors said, demonstrated clear intent to rob and incapacitate the victim to prevent immediate pursuit or alarm.
Despite being left restrained in the bush, the victim managed to escape after some time. He raised an alarm and reported the incident, prompting a police investigation. Law enforcement officers launched inquiries, gathered intelligence, and tracked the movement of the stolen vehicle.
Through investigations and corroborating evidence, police were able to link Michael Antwi Boasiako to the robbery. He was subsequently arrested and charged with robbery, while efforts to locate and arrest his accomplice continue.
During the trial, the prosecution called witnesses and presented evidence that established the elements of robbery beyond reasonable doubt. The court was told that the offence involved not only theft but also violence and unlawful restraint, aggravating factors under Ghana’s criminal law.
Boasiako pleaded not guilty, but after a full trial, the court found him culpable. In delivering judgment, the presiding judge emphasized the seriousness of the offence, noting that the victim’s life had been placed at risk and that such crimes create fear and insecurity among transport operators and the general public.
The court sentenced Boasiako to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour. In handing down the sentence, the judge considered the violent circumstances of the robbery, the psychological trauma suffered by the victim, and the broader need for deterrence.
The court stressed that attacks on drivers, particularly those operating pragyas, motorcycles, and taxis, have become increasingly common and require firm judicial responses to discourage similar crimes.
The case has reignited public discussion about the safety of commercial vehicle operators. Pragya riders, who often operate in isolated or poorly lit areas, are especially vulnerable to attacks by criminals posing as passengers.
Transport unions and driver associations have repeatedly called for enhanced security measures, including increased police patrols, public education on safety precautions, and stronger collaboration between drivers and local communities.
Following the conviction, police reiterated their commitment to tracking down Boasiako’s accomplice. Authorities have urged members of the public with relevant information to assist ongoing investigations.
Law enforcement agencies also advised commercial drivers to exercise caution, particularly when transporting passengers to remote locations, and to report suspicious behavior promptly.
The sentencing of Michael Antwi Boasiako serves as a strong reminder of the consequences of violent crime and the judiciary’s role in protecting public safety. While the conviction brings justice to the victim, it also underscores the urgent need for collective action to address the risks faced by transport operators across the country.
As police continue efforts to apprehend the remaining suspect, the case stands as a warning to would-be offenders and a call for sustained measures to ensure safer roads and livelihoods for commercial drivers.
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