The Ghana Police Service has stated that it has intensified efforts to disrupt and dismantle illegal arms supply networks operating across the country.
The assurance comes amid a series of intelligence-led operations that have led to the arrest of suspected robbers, arms dealers and a man accused of impersonating a military officer.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, December 31, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, said recent arrests demonstrate the Service’s resolve to tackle organised crime.
“We are working deliberately to dismantle the illegal arms supply network in this country and to prevent the circulation of prohibited weapons within the country,” she said.
She further disclosed that eight suspects were arrested in connection with a violent residential robbery at Apollonia, a suburb of Accra, following intelligence-led investigations.
According to the CID, the suspects allegedly attacked residents in their homes, ransacked rooms and made away with valuables, with items such as helmets, cutlasses, boots and a body armour vest retrieved to aid investigations.
In a separate operation, the Police arrested a suspect for unlawfully impersonating a soldier across parts of the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Eastern regions.
The suspect was found in full military camouflage, with firearms, ammunition and other items retrieved, with preliminary investigations suggesting the impersonation was used to intimidate members of the public and facilitate criminal activities.
COP Yaako Donkor further revealed the arrest of an arms dealer in Accra after intelligence indicated he was attempting to sell an assault rifle.
The suspect, identified as Abdullah Ibrahim, was arrested at the point of sale, with investigations linking him to the trafficking of firearms to parts of northern Ghana.
The CID Director-General assured the public that investigations are ongoing and urged citizens to cooperate with the Police by providing timely information to support crime prevention efforts.