The Bono Regional Police Command has made significant progress in dismantling multiple armed robbery syndicates following a sustained intelligence-led operation across Berekum, Drobo, Nkaseim and surrounding communities.
Several suspects believed to be involved in a series of robbery incidents and related crimes have been arrested and put before the courts.
They include ex-convict Johnson Amponsah Kwame Diawuo, aged 47, identified by police as the leader of one of the gangs; Shadrach Owusu, also known as Shark, aged 25; Kwafo Samuel, an ex-convict aged 30; Latif Mustapha, also known as Star Boy, aged 28; Mosby Owusu, aged 20; Kofi Iddrisa, aged 45; and Baba Kumi Foster, aged 35.
Police investigations established that on November 18, 2025, some members of the gang attempted to rob travellers along the Berekum–Drobo road. A patrol team intervened swiftly, preventing the attack.
During subsequent interrogations, suspects Kwafo Samuel and Shadrach Owusu confessed to taking part in the attempted robbery and named Johnson Amponsah Kwame Diawuo as the mastermind.
They also admitted involvement in several other robberies in the Nkaseim area of the Ahafo Region.
Targeted operations later led to the arrest of Johnson Amponsah at his hideout in Nyamennae, a suburb of Berekum.
A search of his room uncovered quantities of Indian hemp, two motorcycle helmets, and two machetes, which were retrieved as evidence.
In a separate operation aimed at dismantling another gang operating around Berekum, the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate arrested suspects Latif Mustapha and Mosby Owusu at Domfete. Latif initially attempted to evade arrest by hiding in the ceiling of his room but was captured after an extensive search.
Police later retrieved a full military camouflage uniform, a military jacket, a toy Glock pistol with soft foam bullets, a taser, military boots, pepper spray, several knives, talismans, an HP laptop, a NEC laptop, and other items believed to be used for criminal activities.
Further investigations uncovered a Parabellum Model R-9 pistol loaded with two rounds of ammunition concealed in the room of suspect Mosby Owusu. Police say the weapon originated from Latif Mustapha, who allegedly sold it to Mosby for GH¢9,000 but continued to access it intermittently.
Efforts to clamp down on accomplices involved in the receiving and transport of stolen motorcycles and tricycles to neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire led to the arrest of suspects Kofi Iddrisa and Baba Kumi Foster at Ewiakrom, near Nkrankwanta. Three motorcycles and a tricycle believed to have been stolen were retrieved.
On December 2, 2025, suspects Johnson Amponsah Kwame Diawuo, Shadrach Owusu and Kwafo Samuel were arraigned before the Fiapre Circuit Court on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and attempting to commit robbery. They were remanded by the presiding judge, His Worship Akua Adoma Addae, to reappear on December 22.
On the same day, suspects Latif Mustapha and Mosby Owusu appeared before the Sunyani District Court B, where they were charged with illicit trafficking of firearms, possession of firearms without lawful authority, and unlawful possession of military uniforms.
They were remanded and are expected back in court on December 15. Meanwhile, suspects Kofi Iddrisa and Baba Kumi Foster, who are being investigated for dishonestly receiving stolen items, have been granted police enquiry bail.
The Bono Regional Police Command says efforts are underway to arrest other accomplices still on the run and to recover additional weapons linked to the syndicates.
The Command has urged the public to provide credible information to aid ongoing investigations and reaffirmed its commitment to improving safety and security across the region.
