The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has neutralised two armed robbery suspects in a shootout along the Obuasi-Dunkwa highway, disrupting a dangerous criminal gang responsible for several highway robberies in the region.
The operations, carried out on March 10 and 11, 2026, were based on credible intelligence and resulted in the deaths of the two suspects, the recovery of firearms and ammunition, and the arrest of additional gang members.
According to the police, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, officers received reliable information that a group of armed men had assembled in a bush along the Obuasi-Dunkwa highway, preparing to carry out a robbery.
A police team was swiftly deployed to the location. Upon arrival, the officers encountered four armed suspects who immediately opened fire on the police and attempted to escape. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, two of the suspects were fatally wounded, while the other two managed to flee.
The deceased have been identified as David Aheto, 42, originally from Sogakope and resident in Asin Fosu, and Illiasu Bawa, 32, from Banda Nkwanta in the Savannah Region. Both were pronounced dead on arrival at the Bekwai Municipal Hospital.
Items recovered from the scene included:
– One AK-47 assault rifle (serial number 68104599) loaded with 28 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition
– One pump-action gun with five rounds of BB cartridges
– Eight additional rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition
– One spent BB cartridge
Further investigations revealed that the suspects were linked to multiple armed robberies in Obuasi, Dunkwa, Wasa Akropong, and Asin Fosu. The probe also exposed connections to other gang members, including Samuel Agyei, alias Africa, who is currently on remand at Wasa Akropong.
Police intelligence pointed to an illegal arms supply network operating in the Asawase area of Kumasi. Alhaji Abdalah of Asawase is alleged to have sold the recovered AK-47 to the gang for GH₵45,000 and is also accused of supplying a G3 rifle and a pistol to Samuel Agyei.
A follow-up operation on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, led to the arrest of Aminu Iddrisu, alias 0244, who directed police to a hiding place in a sheep pen at Moshie Zongo, Kumasi, where one AK-47 rifle and a Bruni pistol were recovered.
In the same operation, 24-year-old Daniel Debrah was arrested. A search conducted in connection with his arrest uncovered a red Toyota Corolla vehicle believed to be proceeds from the gang’s criminal activities.
The suspects currently in custody assisting with investigations are Abdalah Alhassan, Jemini Usman alias Babamu, Aminu Iddrisu alias 0244, and Daniel Debrah.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command says efforts are ongoing to apprehend Mallam Aminu and other fleeing gang members, as well as to recover additional firearms believed to be in circulation.
The Command has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards armed robbery and the illegal trade in firearms, vowing to pursue all involved persons with the full rigour of the law to ensure the safety and security of citizens along major highways and communities in the region.