The Ghana Police Service has dismantled a violent carjacking syndicate linked to a series of armed robberies and fatal shootings in the Ashanti and Western regions.
Following an intelligence-led operation, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno said the February 10 robbery and killing of Andrews Amankwah at Ohwim-Amanfrom prompted a coordinated security response to track down those responsible.
“Following the incident, I activated a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, and the CID Anti-Armed Robbery Unit under my strategic leadership and guidance,” the IGP stated at a press briefing in Kumasi.
According to him, sustained surveillance, technical intelligence and targeted operations carried out between February 18 and 22 led to the arrest of four key members of the network across Kumasi and its environs.
“We have successfully dismantled a dangerous carjacking syndicate known as the ‘Duku Syndicate’,” he announced.
Police said the alleged leader of the group, 42-year-old Eric Antwi Duku, sustained gunshot wounds during a late-night operation on February 22 and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. His body has since been deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Investigations indicate that the syndicate specialised in targeting Toyota Hilux vehicles, conducting prior surveillance on victims and, in recent operations, escalating to the use of lethal force to facilitate the theft of vehicles.
Preliminary findings have linked the suspects to the Ohwim-Amanfrom attack in which Mr. Amankwah was shot and killed and his vehicle stolen.
The group is also suspected to be behind another fatal robbery at Kronum involving a Toyota Hilux belonging to the Ghana National Association of Teachers.
Police revealed that the investigation recorded its first major breakthrough on February 18 with the arrest of a 47-year-old farmer who was found in possession of the deceased victim’s Samsung mobile phone.
The IGP disclosed that the suspects have admitted to several robbery operations in both Kumasi and Tarkwa and have provided intelligence on how stolen vehicles were moved through the northern border corridor for disposal.
Items retrieved during the operations include a Bruni Mod 84 pistol, eight rounds of live ammunition, a tracking detection device, forged vehicle documents and a Toyota Corolla belonging to the deceased suspect. The recovered firearm is currently undergoing forensic and ballistic examination to determine its linkage to various crime scenes.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will soon be arraigned before court, while investigations continue to identify and arrest additional accomplices involved in the movement of stolen vehicles and the preparation of forged documentation.
“The Ghana 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,” the IGP assured.
He also appealed to the public to support ongoing efforts by providing timely and credible information.
“We encourage members of the public to continue volunteering credible information to support our crime-fighting efforts,” he added.
