The suspects targeted victims and stole their vehicles
The Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, has revealed how a suspected carjacking syndicate conducted surveillance on and fatally shot Andrews Amankwa before stealing his vehicle at Ohwim Amanfrom in Kumasi.
Andrews Amankwa, the deceased, is the father-in-law of Ghana Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi.
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Providing further details on the February 10, 2026 incident, police said investigations show the group carefully monitored victims and escalated to lethal force to facilitate vehicle theft.
“Preliminary findings link the core suspects to the Ohwim Amanfrom robbery on 10th February 2026, during which Andrews Amankwa was shot and killed and his Toyota Hilux, registration GN647-25, stolen,” the commander said.
He explained that the breakthrough came after the Ghana Police Service launched a coordinated intelligence-led operation under the direction of the Inspector-General of Police.
The operation involved the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, the Cyber-Vetting and Enforcement Team, and the CID Anti-Armed Robbery Unit.
Through sustained surveillance and targeted operations between February 18 and 22, 2026, four key members of a dangerous carjacking network, identified as the Duku Syndicate, were arrested in separate operations across Kumasi.
Police said investigations indicate the syndicate specialised in vehicle snatching after conducting prior surveillance on their targets.
“The group conducted pre-surveillance on victims and, in recent operations, escalated to lethal force to facilitate vehicle theft,” the statement noted.
DCOP Osei Akoto explained that the arrest of Akwesi Manu, a 47-year-old farmer found in possession of the deceased’s Samsung mobile phone, provided the initial breakthrough in the case.
Subsequent intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of Bashiri Tanko, also known as TK, at Atunsu. Police say he is linked to car-snatching activities in Tarkwa and around the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology area.
On February 21, 2026, another suspect, Kwadwo Amponsah, alias Kamakazi, was arrested at Okereso near Buuankra. His interrogation provided critical intelligence connecting the syndicate to multiple violent robberies in Kumasi.
Police further disclosed that the alleged leader of the group, Eric Antwi Duku, sustained gunshot wounds during an operation on February 22 and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Items retrieved from him included a pistol, live ammunition, a tracking device, vehicle documents, and a saloon car.
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Later the same night, DCOP Osei Akoto said Emmanuel Kwame Appiah, alias Taller, was arrested at Denyame. Investigators allege he acted as the driver during the fatal robbery.
“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 Command assured.
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Ashanti Regional Police Commander details shooting of suspected Hilux robbery kingpin
