The incident, which occurred near the transport terminal, has sent waves of shock through the region and raised questions about safety in the area.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspects were actively engaged in robbing commuters and unsuspecting passersby when the police arrived on the scene.
“I saw them snatching phones and pulling people’s bags. It was chaotic,” recalled one bystander, Kwame, who witnessed the altercation. “People were yelling for help, and when the police showed up, I thought things would calm down, but then I heard gunshots.”
The Accra Regional Police Command reported that officers were conducting routine patrols in the area when they received a distress call regarding the ongoing robbery.
Chief Inspector Grace Amankwah, the spokesperson for the police, stated that the suspects attempted to flee and resisted arrest upon spotting the officers.
“The suspects were carrying knives and other dangerous weapons. When they were ordered to surrender, they became aggressive,” she explained. “Our officers acted in self-defense, as the situation escalated quickly, and they had to protect themselves and the citizens.”
Bystanders recount that one of the suspects made an attempt to charge at the police with a knife, forcing the officers to respond with lethal force.
“It was intense,” another witness, Daniel, shared. “One of the robbers looked like he was going to attack the police, and before anyone could react, the shots were fired.”
The three men were fatally injured and were later pronounced dead on the scene by responding medical personnel.
Many in the community are relieved that the police acted swiftly, as the area has recently experienced a rise in similar incidents. However, some have voiced concerns over the frequency of such violent confrontations.
“It’s like these criminals don’t fear the law anymore,” said Afua, a local vendor near the terminal. “The police need to be more present in these areas to prevent things like this from happening in the first place.”
In response to the incident, Chief Inspector Amankwah reassured the public that the Accra Police Command is intensifying patrols in key areas known for criminal activity.
“Our goal is to make Accra safe for everyone, and we are committed to taking action against anyone who threatens that safety,” she stated firmly.
Despite the police intervention, some residents say they still feel uneasy and are calling on authorities to address the growing insecurity in Accra.
“We appreciate what the police are doing, but we need more lasting solutions,” Kojo, a bus driver at the Circle terminal, expressed. “Young men need jobs, and there needs to be more community outreach to keep them from crime.”