The Kwadaso Circuit Court has ordered a psychiatric examination for a 26-year-old unemployed man accused of stealing a police armoured vehicle in Nkawie, Ashanti Region, after he earlier pleaded with the judge to help him enlist in the police service.
Presiding Judge His Honour Jephtha Appau issued the order on Monday, May 4, 2026, without assigning a specific reason in open court.
The directive came moments after the accused, Ebenezer Frimpong, pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing contrary to Section 124(1) of the Criminal Offences Act.
Frimpong, a resident of Antwi Agyei Nkwanta in the Atwima Mponua District, was arrested on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, by personnel from the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit.
According to prosecution facts presented by ASP Albert Asagre, General Lance Corporal Joshua Denkyi, a police driver, was tasked with transporting the armoured vehicle (registration number GP 1131) to a workshop for servicing on the day of the incident.
The officer reportedly developed stomach upset and parked the vehicle near the Nkawie market to purchase medication from a nearby pharmacy.
Moments later, he allegedly saw Frimpong driving the vehicle towards the Abuakwa–Kumasi direction.
During his first court appearance on Friday, April 17, 2026, Frimpong made an unusual appeal to the presiding judge, asking His Honour Appau to use his connections to help him enlist in the Ghana Police Service. He also appealed for leniency as the charges were read.
The case has drawn attention not only for the nature of the theft but for the accused’s apparent interest in joining the very service whose vehicle he is alleged to have stolen.
The psychiatric evaluation is expected to inform further legal proceedings.
