The police in the Ashanti Region have intensified their crackdown on violent robbery in Kumasi, leading to the arrest of four suspects linked to the fatal Ohwim Tigo Junction robbery and shooting incident.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, disclosed that the arrests form part of sustained intelligence-led operations launched after the February 10, 2026 incident, which claimed the life of a businessman and sparked public concern over rising vehicle-snatching activities in parts of the Ashanti Region.
The robbery victim, identified as Andrews Amankwa, was reportedly attacked and shot by armed men at Ohwim Tigo Junction in Kumasi. He was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. The robbers bolted with his Toyota Hilux vehicle.
Speaking during a press briefing in Kumasi on Monday, February 23, 2926, the IGP noted that the major breakthrough was achieved on February 18, when police arrested the first suspect, Akwasi Manu, who was found in possession of a mobile phone belonging to the deceased.
He was subsequently arraigned before the Asokwa Circuit Court II on charges of dishonestly receiving and remanded into police custody to reappear on March 5, 2026.
The police, acting on further intelligence, arrested a second suspect, Bashiru Tanko, at Atonsu High School Junction on February 19. Two more suspects — Kwaju Amponsah and Emmanuel Kwame Apea — were later picked up on February 21 and 22 at Hwireso near Buokrom and the Danyame Military Barracks enclave, respectively.
However, the alleged gang leader, identified as Eric Acheampong Adu, sustained gunshot wounds during a police operation and later died.
Preliminary investigations, according to the IGP, indicate that the group operated as a well-organised criminal syndicate notorious for targeting and snatching pickup trucks and Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles within Kumasi and its environs.
“This criminal network specialised in the stealing of high-value vehicles, particularly pickup trucks and Land Cruisers,” the IGP revealed, adding that the death of the suspected ringleader marks a significant blow to the syndicate’s operations.
The Police administration has assured residents of Kumasi and the Ashanti Region of its unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring public safety.
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