Police arrest 4 suspects after Ohwim-Amanfrom robbery victim’s death - Gang leader dies from gunshot wounds
The Ghana Police Service has announced the dismantling of a criminal carjacking syndicate responsible for several armed robberies in Kumasi and Tarkwa in the Ashanti and Western regions.
The suspects, who are part of the syndicate called ‘Duku syndicate,’ were involved in a robbery incident on February 10, 2026, after they shot their victim and snatched his Toyota Hilux vehicle with registration number GN 6647-25 as well.
The victim, identified as Andrews Amankwah, sadly passed away at the hospital where he had been admitted for medical treatment.
The suspects are Akwasi Manu, aged 47, Bashiru Tanko, aged 33, Kwadwo Amponsah, aged 35, and Emmanuel Kwame Appiah, aged 38.
Items recovered from them included a Bruni Mod 84 pistol, eight rounds of live ammunition, a tracking detection device, forged vehicle documents and a Toyota Corolla S belonging to the deceased suspect, Eric Antwi Duku.
Team
Addressing the media in Kumasi yesterday, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, said following the incident, a team comprising several units was set up to commence investigations into the incident.
He mentioned that upon several leads during the investigation, the first breakthrough was made on February 18, 2026, with the arrest of Akwasi Manu, who was found in possession of a mobile phone belonging to the deceased victim.
Subsequently, he said Manu was put before the Asokwa Circuit Court on February 20 and remanded into custody to reappear on March 5.
He said further covert intelligence operations led to the arrest of Bashiru Tanko from his hideout at Atonsu High School Junction in Kumasi on February 19, and added that after days of sustained operations, Kwadwo Amponsah and Emmanuel Kwame Appiah were arrested on February 21 and 22 at Hwereso near Boankra and Danyame soldier barracks, respectively.
Some of the items recovered from the suspects
One of the suspects, Eric Antwi Duku, died during the operation.
Mr Yohuno further stated that the criminal syndicate led by the deceased specialised in the snatching of pick-up and Land Cruiser vehicles, particularly black and ash coloured ones, which they sold to a contact at Paga.
“The gang have contacts with some persons at Offinso and in Dubai, as well as some ‘Goro boys’ at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), who facilitated the preparation of fake vehicle documents for them”, he said.
He mentioned further that the modus operandi of the syndicate involved identifying and monitoring their target victims and following them until they get the opportunity to strike, adding, “When the targets refuse to hand over the vehicle to them, they resort to firing their weapon.
He commended the various teams that worked on the operation, as well as members of the public who assisted with critical information, and stressed, “Your collective efforts will go a long way towards giving the family closure and ensuring justice is served”.
Separate incident
Giving further details, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Arthur Osei Akoto, said the suspects were also involved in a separate robbery at Kronum, where a victim was fatally shot and a Toyota Hilux belonging to the Ghana National Association of Teachers was stolen.
The suspects, he indicated, have admitted to multiple robbery operations across Tarkwa and Kumasi and have provided intelligence regarding the movement of stolen vehicles to the northern border corridor.
He added that investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest additional accomplices, including individuals involved in the disposal of stolen vehicles and the preparation of forged documentation.
Wanted list
DCOP Akoto reiterated that the suspects have been on the wanted list of the Western Central Regional Police Command, but they escaped arrest any time there was an attempt to apprehend them.
“The Police Service remains resolute in dismantling violent criminal networks operating within the Ashanti Region and beyond. Criminal elements who threaten public safety will be pursued relentlessly and brought to justice,” he added
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