The Ashanti Regional Police have arrested three persons for possessing firearms without authority.
They are Mohammed Ali, 25, and Haruna Issah, 42, both believed to be of Fulani descent.
The third, Yaw Appiah, is a blacksmith, from whom one of the suspects said they had acquired the firearms.
The police said that at about 1600hrs last Sunday, personnel assigned for the Atwima Trabuom and Nweneso snap check duty, with support from the Foase Patrols team, arrested and brought to the station Ali and Issah, who were in possession of three locally made pistols.
Duty
On the same day, they said about 1400hrs, while on duty, the team intercepted the suspects riding an unregistered Haojin motorbike.
A search conducted on them, the police said, led to the retrieval of the three locally made pistols concealed in a small bag being held by Ali, hence their arrest.
The police said that upon interrogation at the station, suspect Ali stated that he acquired the pistols from a blacksmith at Nkawie.
They said investigations were extended to Nkawie, where suspect Yaw Appiah, 55 and a blacksmith, was identified to police by Ali.
He was subsequently arrested.
“A thorough search was immediately conducted on his premises, but no further incriminating object was found.
The three suspects are in custody assisting investigations, while the retrieved exhibits have been secured for evidential purposes,” the police said, adding that “We will expedite action and put the suspects before a competent court of jurisdiction as early as possible.
Investigations
In a related development, the Ashanti Regional Police Command has commenced investigations into the unlawful possession of weapons and ammunition after officers from the Kuntanase District Patrol Team intercepted a vehicle containing firearms and ammunition last Sunday.
It said that while conducting routine patrols on the Aputuoagya–Bekwai road, the patrol team spotted a white Toyota Sienta private vehicle with registration number NR 289-24, suspiciously parked near a bushy area along the roadside.
“Two male adults were observed standing beside the vehicle, allegedly smoking a substance suspected to be a narcotic drug. Upon noticing the approaching police team, the individuals fled into a nearby bush and escaped despite a pursuit by the officers.
“A search conducted on the abandoned vehicle led to the recovery of weapons and items believed to indicate preparation to commit a crime,” a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police, DSP Godwin Ahianyo, said
Items
The statement said items retrieved included one AK-47 assault rifle (Serial No. 29546), one locally manufactured firearm, two AK-47 magazines, each loaded with 30 rounds, four packets of AK-47 ammunition, each containing 25 rounds and seven loose rounds of ammunition.
The rest are one pair of Wellington boots, one Huawei smartphone, Cowrie shells, sandals, a Ghana Card and a Temporary Driver’s License (name withheld for investigative purposes).
“The vehicle has been impounded at the Kuntanase Police Station and all recovered items have been retained as exhibits to support ongoing investigations.
“The Ashanti Regional Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to preventing violent crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” it said and “members of the public with any information that could assist in the arrest of the suspects are urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the police emergency numbers: 191, 18555, or 112,” the statement added.
