Police dismantle armed robbery gang in Ashanti Region; one suspect on the run
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested 11 persons believed to be part of an armed robbery gang operating across several communities in the region, following weeks of intelligence-led operations. One suspect was killed in a shootout, while another is still on the run.
The arrests followed a series of violent residential robberies in areas including Abuakwa, Tanoso, Apatrɛpa, Dechemɔbuoso, and Appiadu. Victims reported being attacked at gunpoint in their homes, held hostage, and robbed of money, mobile phones, electronic devices, and other valuables.
In a statement released on Monday, June 30, 2025, the Regional Police Public Affairs Unit said the operation began yielding results on Friday, June 27, when patrol teams from the KNUST District and the Regional Operations Unit arrested three of the gang members in Kumasi.
The three, Kwadwo Kyei Baffour, 39; Joseph Oppong, also known as Joe, 30; and Bernard Owusu Ansah, alias Hot Boy, 27, were arrested at separate hideouts. Mr Ansah was shot during his arrest and is currently under police guard at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Items retrieved from the suspects include laptops, television sets, tablets, mobile phones, WiFi routers, and face masks allegedly used in the attacks. Police also impounded three vehicles suspected of having been used during the robberies.
Officers recovered several weapons from the suspects, including pistols, pump-action shotguns, and ammunition. A converted Foocio Cal 4.5mm pistol was found on Mr Oppong.
According to police, Mr Baffour admitted during interrogation that he had taken part in the robberies and also confessed to raping a victim in one of the incidents.
Further investigations led to the arrest of four more individuals: Kwadwo Konadu, 28; James Asare Boateng, 26; Emmanuel Asiedu, 27; and Maxwell Gyimah, 30, all suspected to be members of the same gang. Mr Ansah is said to have guided officers to additional locations where more weapons were found.
Two other suspects were later arrested in separate operations. Kelvin Adomako, also known as Chemicals, 29, was picked up at Ejisu Hwɛreso, while Daniel Dwumor, 46, was arrested at Bantama for allegedly providing information that helped the gang during the Appiadu robbery.
All 11 suspects are in custody and are expected to be put before the court in the coming days. Police say the last member of the gang, Yahaya Nuhu, is still at large, and efforts are underway to arrest him.
The Regional Police Command encouraged the public to continue assisting law enforcement and reiterated its resolve to maintain public safety in the Ashanti Region.
