The Story of Ataa Ayi: Ghana’s Most Notorious Armed Robber
If you were born in the late 80s or early 90s, you’ve probably heard of the infamous Ataa Ayi, the most wanted armed robber in Ghana’s history. His name became synonymous with crime, and he was eventually sentenced to 160 years in prison.
Early Life and the Road to Crime
Born Raymond Ayee Ayeetey in Adabraka, Accra, Ataa Ayi had a normal childhood until his mother traveled to the UK. Left without parental guidance, he dropped out of school in Class 4 and learned how to drive, eventually becoming a taxi driver.
In a media interview, he recounted how, in 1998, he drove someone to a festival in Okropong. On his way back, he got into an accident, wrecking his master’s car. This incident left him jobless and in debt. Desperate to survive, he began searching for work.
Through a friend, he was introduced to a man named Eddie, who was looking for a skilled driver—not for a regular job, but for car looting. Initially hesitant, Ataa Ayi eventually succumbed to the pressure, motivated by his need for money to support his pregnant wife and personal ambitions.
Rise of a Criminal Empire
By 1999, Ataa Ayi and his gang had fully established themselves as a group of notorious armed robbers. Their primary operation involved monitoring individuals who withdrew large sums from banks, ambushing them, and making away with their money.
His first major operation saw him steal 12 million cedis, of which he received 2.5 million cedis. The gang later acquired a gun from a police vehicle, but ironically, none of them knew how to use it properly.(All amounts are quoted in Old Cedis)
They became infamous for hijacking cars and robbing people in broad daylight. Some victims were attacked in traffic, while others were trailed from banks and ambushed at home.
One chilling incident involved a man who had withdrawn 22 million cedis. Just as he stopped to hand the money to his wife, the gang struck, firing shots to scare bystanders. Another case involved a pastor from Osu, who withdrew 56 million cedis. The gang trailed him to his church but failed to snatch the bag containing the money. However, they managed to steal 6 million cedis from another pastor in an office.
At the height of his criminal reign, Ataa Ayi and his gang had stolen over 700 million cedis, along with cars, phones, and jewelry. His reputation grew so much that his face was plastered on billboards across Ghana, making him the most wanted criminal in the country.
His name became a household nickname for thieves, striking fear into the hearts of many.
The Hunt and Arrest
In 2000, the police, led by ACP Kofi Boakye (now National Security Head of Operations), launched an intensive manhunt. Following a tip-off, they stormed Chorkor to arrest him, but Ataa Ayi had already traveled for a funeral. Realizing how badly the police wanted him, he went into hiding.
Over time, most of his gang members were either arrested or killed, but Ataa Ayi managed to evade capture.
However, even the smartest criminals have their downfall.
On February 28, 2005, while staying at his elder sister’s house in Nungua, Ataa Ayi got into an argument with a tenant. After beating up the tenant, the case was reported to the police.
When officers arrived, they found him hanging his clothes to dry. They initially intended to arrest him for assault, but upon realizing who he was, they quickly took him into custody. Ataa Ayi fell to his knees, begging the police not to kill him.
Trial, Conviction, and Redemption
Ataa Ayi later claimed he was tortured and coerced into signing statements, some of which he insisted were false. He also alleged that some witnesses committed perjury during his trial.
Nonetheless, he was found guilty and sentenced to 160 years with hard labor at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison in Cape Coast.
Today, Ataa Ayi has turned to Christianity and now serves as a prison pastor. He regrets his past crimes and has accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He continues to plead with the government for a pardon, hoping to become a great preacher upon his release.
Credit: Adam Hardi SarkCess
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