Police say a suspected arms trafficker abandoned a cache of firearms and ammunition on January 27, 2026, after realizing he was being monitored by law enforcement officers. The incident occurred as authorities tracked an unidentified man transporting weapons from the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange toward the Agbogbloshie Bus Terminal, with Kpandai believed to be the intended destination.
Intelligence indicated illegal weapons movement through central Accra, prompting immediate deployment of a surveillance team. Officers tracked the suspect, who was riding a blue Royal motorcycle through the busy commercial district. When he noticed officers following him, he dropped several parcels wrapped in black nylon bags and fled the scene before authorities could apprehend him.
Police later recovered one A Tac semi automatic shotgun, two Jojef semi automatic shotguns, and two boxes of cartridges containing 500 BB cartridges from the abandoned packages. The weapons cache represents a significant quantity of firearms that could have been used for criminal activities. Authorities mounted a coordinated search operation in the surrounding area but the suspect managed to escape despite intensive efforts.
The Ghana Police Service confirmed the incident through an official statement, emphasizing that investigations are ongoing to identify the suspect and determine both the source and destination of the weapons. Officials believe the recovered firearms were part of a larger trafficking network moving illegal weapons across the country. Kpandai, located in the Northern Region, has emerged as a suspected final destination for the confiscated arsenal.
This incident follows the recent conclusion of a government gun amnesty period that ran from December 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Interior Minister Henry Quartey launched the initiative to encourage voluntary surrender of unregistered weapons without prosecution. The minister warned that after the amnesty period ended, law enforcement would intensify operations to recover illicit arms and treat those refusing the offer as criminals.
Arms trafficking remains a persistent security challenge in Ghana, with illegal weapons frequently recovered during police operations. The Ghana Police Service has made several high profile arrests in recent months related to weapons dealing and armed robbery syndicates. In December 2025, authorities arrested an arms dealer attempting to sell assault rifles in Accra while also busting a five member phone snatching and robbery syndicate.
Border security measures have been enhanced to prevent arms trafficking, with officials conducting dialogues with traditional authorities to regulate firearm use during festivals. The temporary ban on powdered guns during traditional celebrations reflects government efforts to reduce weapons proliferation. Authorities continue urging citizens to report suspicious activities related to illegal weapons movement.
