Ghana Police Arrest Three Suspects Over Highway Robbery On Kumasi-Accra Road After Special Operation

Three suspected armed robbers have been arrested following a security operation targeting a group allegedly responsible for attacks on travellers along the Kumasi-Accra highway.

The suspects were arrested on October 6, 2026, in a joint operation conducted by police commands from the Ashanti and Eastern regions. Their arrest followed a series of reported highway robbery cases in areas including Konongo, Nkawkaw and Suhum.

Reports from the Ghana News Agency and Ghana Broadcasting Corporation indicated that the operation was carried out around 2:00 a.m. at a suspected hideout close to Anyinam in the Eastern Region. Investigators believe the suspects had sought refuge there after an alleged attack involving a Sprinter bus on October 5.

Ashanti Regional Police Commander DCOP Emmanuel Teye Cudjoe later identified the arrested men as Kwame Asare, popularly known as Alhaji, aged 32; Kofi Boakye, 28; and Yaw Mensah, 25.

Police reportedly recovered a number of weapons and other items during the raid. JoyNews said the seized items included two pump-action firearms, an AK-47, 45 rounds of ammunition, three machetes and several mobile phones suspected to have been stolen from victims.

According to DCOP Cudjoe, the suspects had been wanted since August in connection with more than 10 alleged robbery incidents.

The arrests have provided some relief amid increasing concerns over security on the busy highway. Commercial drivers and passengers have reportedly become more cautious about travelling between Kumasi and Accra at night because of fears of armed attacks.

Some motorists have reportedly stopped making night trips, while others have adopted the practice of parking at filling stations until daylight before continuing their journeys.

The Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union welcomed the police action. Officials said drivers had raised repeated concerns about robbery attacks and expressed hope that the arrests would help make the route safer.

Maame Ama Konadu, who reportedly survived an attack near Nkawkaw on September 28, was also said to have welcomed the arrests. According to Adomonline.com, she was on a VIP bus travelling from Kumasi to Accra when armed men allegedly used logs to block the road.

The attackers reportedly robbed passengers of money, laptops and jewellery. Konadu said she was relieved by the police operation and appealed for the suspects to be taken through the proper court process.

The Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, also reportedly commended the Ashanti and Eastern commands for their work. He said the police were taking steps to strengthen security on major highways.

Among the proposed measures are increased patrols and the use of specialised highway units equipped with armoured vehicles and body cameras. The measures are expected to be particularly important during busy travel periods.

The three arrested suspects were being held by the police while investigations continued and were expected to appear in court on October 8, 2026. Meanwhile, officers were searching for two other suspects who allegedly escaped during the operation.

Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward. The three arrested men have only been accused of the reported crimes, and their guilt or innocence will ultimately be determined through due legal proceedings.