The gang leader, Eric Acheampong Adu, in a robbery incident at Ohwim Tigo Junction in Kumasi, has been confirmed dead.

Addressing the media on Monday, February 23, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, disclosed that the deceased, who is specialised in the snatching of pickup and Land Cruiser vehicles, sustained gunshot wounds during the operation with the police and later passed on.

The IGP noted “Suspect Eric Acheampong Adu, who sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, has passed on. Our investigation further established that this criminal syndicate, led by the deceased suspect, specialised in the snatching of pickup and Land Cruiser vehicle”.

The four other culprits; Akwasi Manu, Bashiru Tanko, Kwaju Amponsah and Emmanuel Kwame Apea are in police custody assisting with investigations. Akwasi Manu was arrested after the police traced a mobile phone belonging to the deceased in his possession on Wednesday, February 18. Bashiru Tanko, was arrested at Atonsu High School Junction in Kumasi on February 19.

Kwaju Amponsah and Emmanuel Kwame Apea, on February 21 and 22 at Hwireso near Buokrom and the Danyame Soldier Barracks in Kumasi, respectively. On Tuesday February 10, the gang reportedly attacked the victim, identified as Andrews Amankwa, shot him, and made away with his Toyota Hilux vehicle. Andrews Amankwa was receiving treatment at the hospital was later pronounced dead.

In recent years, the Ghana Police Service has made significant progress in tackling robberies and prosecuting offenders. The Service assured the public of its commitment to ensuring security, law, and order across the country.

On February 2, five persons have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a robbery attack that occurred on December 2 last year at Nkaseim in the Ahafo Region.

The armed suspects invaded the Goaso–Tepa road and simultaneously attacked the Nkaseim Police Station, the Adwumapa Cocoa Buying Company, the Kobby Gold Buying Company, and the Asutifi Rural Bank area in Nkaseim, stealing their belongings. Stolen belongings of the victims include two AK47 rifles, unspecified amounts of cash, and other valuables.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, February 1, the police disclosed that the armed robbers also shot one victim during the attack, causing injuries.

They include 45-year-old Mahamadu Sagio, 28-year-old Shaibu Issah Jallo, 25-year-old Bukari Sulley, also known as Tailor, a commercial tricycle rider, 35-year-old Mutar Kofi, and 40-year-old Abdul Suleman. Meanwhile, three other suspects, identified as Dauda, Mohammed Ali, and Hoyeefi, are on the run.

On Thursday, January 29, seven individuals were arrested over a highway robbery incident that took place last year on the Tamale–Buipe highway, during which a member of the Council of State was assaulted.

The suspects, identified as Rashida Yussif, Aaron Abaana, Wilson Abasong, Muntaru Iddrisu, Aminu Zibrilla, Innusa Sumaila and Haruna Safianu, were arrested on January 11, 2026, after weeks of sustained investigations.

Addressing the media at the Police Headquarters in Accra, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, disclosed that inquiries into the case are still ongoing.

She recounted that the incident occurred on July 21, 2025, when the victim was travelling on the Tamale–Buipe highway and was attacked by six armed men who fled with several personal items, including mobile phones, cash, wristwatches, reading glasses, laptops and other valuables.

“The arrests form part of intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling highway robbery networks across the country,” COP Donkor said.

She also revealed that a separate police operation led to the arrest of five suspects linked to another robbery incident at Nkasei in the Ahafo Region.

According to her, the suspects — Muta Kofi, Mahamadu Sajoe, alias Salifu, Shaibu Issah, Abdul Suleman and Bukari Sule, alias Taylor — were picked up on different dates following investigations into a robbery that occurred on December 2, 2025.

She explained that the suspects, together with other accomplices, allegedly mounted a blockade on the Goaso–Tepa road while armed and launched attacks on unsuspecting motorists.

COP Donkor added that investigations into both robbery cases are still underway as police efforts continue to recover stolen property and track down additional suspects.

She further appealed to the public to stay alert, place a premium on personal safety when travelling, and refrain from sharing sensitive information with strangers, as police intensify nationwide operations to combat criminal activity.

Last year, the government intensified security efforts along the Walewale-Bolgatanga Highway by deploying military personnel and drones to curb rising attacks on passenger buses.

Minister for the Interior, Mr. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, made this known in Parliament on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, while responding to concerns raised by the Member of Parliament for Walewale regarding escalating robberies and vehicle burnings in the North East Region.

According to Mr. Muntaka Mubarak, although Walewale has seen a steady decline in armed robbery cases—from 30 incidents in 2022 to 18 in 2024—the attacks targeting passenger buses remain a pressing concern.

He linked the recent surge in highway violence to the ongoing Bawku chieftaincy conflict, explaining that the unrest was spilling over into surrounding areas and contributing to insecurity along the route.

To address the situation, the government imposed a curfew on Walewale and its environs on February 15, 2025, while also reinforcing security operations in the area.

In addition to the military deployment, extra police officers have been dispatched from Tamale to support the Walewale District Command. The government has also increased logistical support, including the provision of more patrol vehicles.

Furthermore, three police bases have been established in Walewale, Janga, and Gombiliga, each manned by 30 officers to enhance security patrols. To protect traders, police escorts have been introduced for market women traveling to and from Walewale’s markets.

Despite these interventions, Mr. Muntaka Mubarak acknowledged that no arrests were made in connection with this year’s robbery incidents. He noted that tracking suspects had been challenging due to the widespread use of motorbikes in the area but remained optimistic about the impact of the new surveillance measures.

“I will continue engaging the police, and with drone surveillance now in place, I believe we will see improvements. But as of now, I have no information on arrests,” he said.

Authorities remain hopeful that these enhanced security measures will restore safety along the highway and deter further attacks.

The Ghana Police Service announced its readiness to face any criminal network and criminal activities with rigour after the boost that comes with the government handing over forty armoured vehicles.

President Mahama handed over the vehicles yesterday, Thursday, December 4, in a handing-over ceremony held at the Ghana Police Headquarters in Accra, and in response to this, the IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohunu, in an acceptance speech, sent a word of caution to all who seek to disrupt national security and peace that his outfit will relentlessly pursue and apprehend anyone involved in criminal activities.

“Let me use this opportunity to send a strong word of caution to persons who have decided to threaten the security of this country: we are coming for you. You can run all you want and hide wherever you wish, but we will surely get you,” taunting the police service’s achievements so far under his leadership.

“We have made several breakthroughs. In addition to numerous robbery attempts that have been foiled through sustained intelligence operations, we have successfully arrested suspects who operated under the illusion that they could get away with crime.

"These include the suspect behind the rural bank robberies, the robbery of the Radiance Filling Station, the robbery at Enfasatia, attacks on mobile vendors, the Wire and Bullet serial murders, vehicle theft syndicates, and perpetrators behind fake online food-delivery platforms,” he mentioned.