The Ghana Police Service has dismantled a suspected armed robbery gang believed to have been operating along the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway in the Ashanti Region following intelligence-led operations carried out on March 10 and 11, 2026.
The operation, conducted by the Ashanti South Regional Police Command, resulted in the arrest of six suspects, the recovery of several firearms and ammunition, and the disruption of what investigators suspect may be part of a wider illegal arms supply network.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, March 12, the Ashanti South Regional Crime Officer, Superintendent Stephen Antwi, said the police acted on credible intelligence that a group of armed men had gathered in a bush near the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway with plans to rob motorists using the busy route.
According to him, at about 11:00 a.m. on March 10, a team of police officers was dispatched to the location to intercept the suspects.
Upon arriving at a section of the bush near Obuasi, the officers reportedly spotted about four men believed to be carrying firearms.
Police said the suspects opened fire after noticing the presence of the security team and attempted to escape into the nearby bush. Officers returned fire, leading to a brief exchange of gunshots.
During the confrontation, two of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds while two others managed to flee into the bush despite reportedly being injured.
A search of the area later led to the recovery of a number of weapons and ammunition believed to have been intended for the planned robbery attack.
Among the items retrieved were an AK-47 assault rifle loaded with 28 rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition and a pump-action gun loaded with five live BB cartridges. Police also recovered eight additional rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition and one spent BB cartridge from the scene.
Superintendent Antwi later confirmed that the two suspects who sustained gunshot wounds during the operation were identified as David Aheto, 42, originally from Sogakope but residing at Assin Fosu, and Illiasu Bawa, 32, a native of Banda Nkwanta.
The two men were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital for medical treatment but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary pending preservation and autopsy.
Police said further intelligence-led investigations after the initial operation led to the arrest of additional suspects believed to be linked to the robbery gang.
Investigators believe the arrests could help unravel a broader illegal arms distribution network suspected to be operating from the Asawase area in Kumasi.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command said efforts are ongoing to track down the two suspects who escaped during the exchange of gunfire, as well as any other accomplices connected to the criminal network.
Police have also assured residents and motorists who use the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway that patrols and security operations along the corridor will be intensified to prevent further criminal activity.
Members of the public have meanwhile been encouraged to support the police with credible information that could assist in identifying and arresting criminal elements in their communities.
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