Seven Arrested Over Ashaiman Robbery – But the Bigger Problem Still Lurks
A few years ago, I lost my phone at Circle. I’d just stepped off a trotro and reached into my pocket—gone. I remember standing there, confused, retracing my steps like a detective in a movie, knowing full well the phone was probably already halfway to being sold in some back alley shop. That helpless feeling? It sticks with you.
So when I heard that seven people had been arrested in Ashaiman for robbery—and that stolen phones and a laptop were actually recovered—I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. I mean, justice being served and items being returned? That’s rare. Like, really rare.
According to reports, these guys were picked up after a series of coordinated robberies in the area. The police moved in, made the arrests, and to everyone’s surprise, found some of the stolen gadgets. For once, it didn’t feel like the usual “we're investigating” press statement that ends with… well, nothing.
But let’s be real for a second—Ashaiman has developed a bit of a reputation. It’s the kind of place where you keep your backpack in front of you, zip everything up tight, and maybe even say a little prayer before stepping off a bus at night. And I hate saying that because I know people from there—hardworking folks, dreamers, students, hustlers just trying to make a life.
Still, when robberies become normal, when we’re more shocked by arrests than the crime itself, something is seriously broken.
I might be wrong, but I’ve noticed this pattern: we celebrate arrests like they’re the solution. But the real question is, what pushed these guys to robbery in the first place?
Unemployment? Poverty? Peer pressure? Or just greed?
It’s easy to paint them all as hardened criminals. And maybe some of them are. But I can’t help but think about the 17-year-old who gets dragged into a gang just to survive. Or the guy who turns to snatching phones because his “connection man” visa dream fell through and now he’s stuck with no plan B.
Of course, I’m not making excuses. What they did was wrong. People got hurt. Lives were shaken. And yeah, no one deserves to lose their phone, laptop, or peace of mind just for walking home late.
But arrests aren’t enough. They’re just the bandage on a much deeper wound.
I’m happy the victims got their things back. That part feels good. But I wonder—what about all the other cases where nothing is found? Where the police don’t show up on time? Or worse, don’t show up at all?
Honestly, sometimes it feels like we’re just managing crime instead of actually fixing anything.
So here’s my lingering thought:
Until we start tackling the roots—lack of jobs, poor education, and the broken systems that breed desperation—aren’t we just waiting for the next headline?
And maybe next time, the ending won’t be so lucky.