A 68-year-old British man, Ashraf Qarmar Parvez, was shot and killed during a robbery at a popular drinking spot in Tema, Ghana, on Friday, November 7, 2025. The shocking incident has sent ripples of concern through the local community and raised questions about public safety in the bustling industrial city just east of Accra. According to multiple news outlets, including BBC and Modern Ghana, the crime unfolded in a matter of moments but has left a lasting impact on both residents and the victim’s family back in the United Kingdom.
Parvez, who was sitting with friends at a well-frequented bar opposite the Community Nine cemetery, became the target of a violent robbery when six young men arrived on motorbikes. Eyewitnesses recounted to police that two of the assailants approached the group, while another swiftly snatched Parvez’s mobile phone from the table. In a desperate attempt to recover his stolen device, Parvez confronted the thieves. What happened next would prove fatal: one of the attackers pulled out a firearm and shot him.
Authorities confirmed that Parvez was rushed to Tema General Hospital in critical condition. Despite the efforts of emergency medical staff, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The gravity of the situation set off an immediate and full-scale response from the Tema Regional Police Command. Officers recovered a 9mm spent bullet shell at the scene, which is now being processed as crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation. Witnesses have been interviewed, and their testimonies are being pieced together as police work to reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting.
In a statement quoted by The Mirror, police outlined the sequence of events: “Two of the assailants approached the group, and one of them snatched the victim’s mobile phone from the table. When the victim attempted to retrieve his phone, one of the suspects shot, and the gang fled the scene on their motorbikes.” The suspects, believed to be six young men, made their escape on motorbikes and have not yet been apprehended. The police have launched what they describe as a “full-scale operation” to track down the perpetrators.
Efforts are also underway to officially notify the British Embassy and the British High Commission of the incident. The UK Foreign Office has confirmed its involvement, stating, “We are supporting the family of a man who has died in Ghana.” The family of Ashraf Qarmar Parvez is now receiving consular assistance as they grapple with the sudden and violent loss of their loved one.
The murder has rattled residents of Tema, a city known for its port and industrial activity but not typically for violent crime involving foreign nationals. While the event has sparked heightened security concerns, local police have been quick to reassure the public. A spokesperson told BBC, “The shooting was a rare incident.” The Command further assured, “Every effort is being made to arrest the suspects and bring them to justice.” Authorities hope that a combination of forensic evidence, including the recovered bullet shell, and witness statements will soon lead to arrests.
The robbery and subsequent killing have reignited discussions about public safety in Ghana’s urban centers. Tema, located about 15 miles east of the capital Accra, is a hub for both locals and expatriates, with its bars and social spaces typically considered safe. However, the swift and violent nature of this crime—executed by a group of young men on motorbikes—has led some residents to question whether more needs to be done to ensure the safety of both citizens and visitors.
According to The Sun, police have been interviewing eyewitnesses as part of their probe, and the recovered 9mm shell is being analyzed for further clues. The authorities have emphasized their commitment to bringing the suspects to justice, with a police statement reiterating, “The Command assures the public that every effort is being made to arrest the suspects and bring them to justice.” Investigators are also working to determine whether the suspects are part of a larger criminal network or if this was an isolated act of violence.
The UK Foreign Office’s involvement underscores the international dimension of the case. When British nationals are involved in violent crimes abroad, the Foreign Office typically provides support to families and works with local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation. In this instance, officials have been in contact with Ghanaian police and are monitoring the progress of the manhunt.
While the shooting has certainly cast a shadow over Tema, local police are urging the community not to panic. They stress that such violent robberies are uncommon in the area and that swift action is being taken to restore confidence. Nonetheless, the incident has prompted calls for increased police presence and better surveillance in public spaces, particularly those frequented by both locals and foreigners.
The tragedy also highlights a broader issue faced by many rapidly growing cities across Africa: balancing economic development with effective law enforcement. As Tema continues to expand as an industrial and commercial hub, ensuring that public spaces remain secure is becoming an ever more pressing challenge. The city’s authorities are now under pressure to demonstrate that they can respond effectively and prevent similar incidents in the future.
For now, the focus remains on finding justice for Ashraf Qarmar Parvez and his family. Police continue to appeal to the public for information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are hopeful that their efforts will soon yield results.
As the city of Tema comes to terms with this rare but devastating act of violence, residents and officials alike are left to reflect on the fragility of public safety—and the importance of swift, decisive action in its defense.