Police in the Bono Region say they have dismantled two armed robbery syndicates and arrested several suspects after weeks of intelligence-led operations targeting gangs accused of terrorizing communities and highways.
In a statement Tuesday, regional police officials said the operation led to the arrest of seven suspects believed to be connected to a string of robberies and violent crimes in the Bono and Ahafo regions. Those arrested include Johnson Amponsah Kwame Diawuo, 47, described by investigators as the leader of one of the gangs, along with Shadrach Owusu, 25, and Kwafo Samuel, 30 — both ex-convicts who allegedly confessed to multiple attacks.
Police said the group attempted to rob travelers on the Berekum–Drobo Road on Nov. 18, but a patrol team intervened, foiling the attack. Subsequent interrogations revealed their involvement in other robberies, particularly in the Nkaseim area.
Amponsah was later arrested at a hideout in Berekum, where police recovered quantities of Indian hemp, helmets and machetes.
In a separate sweep, a Police Intelligence Directorate team arrested two other suspects, Latif Mustapha, also known as Star Boy, and Mosby Owusu in Domfete. Mustapha allegedly tried to escape by hiding in a ceiling. Police say they recovered military uniforms, a taser, knives, laptops, suspected narcotics and a toy gun from his room.
Investigators also seized a Hungarian-made R-9 pistol loaded with two rounds of ammunition, allegedly sold by Mustapha to Owusu for 9,000 cedis. A third suspect linked to the weapon, 18-year-old Kwabena Agon Azubilla Akalotey, is already in custody on theft charges.
Police later arrested two additional suspects , Kofi Idrissa, 45, and Baba Kumi Foster, 35, accused of receiving stolen motorcycles and tricycles and transporting them to Côte d’Ivoire. Three motorcycles and a tricycle were retrieved.
On Dec. 2, Amponsah, Owusu and Samuel were arraigned before the Fiapre Circuit Court on conspiracy and attempted robbery charges and were remanded to reappear Dec. 22. Mustapha and Owusu appeared separately before the Sunyani District Court on firearms and military-gear offenses and were remanded to appear again Dec. 15. Idrissa and Foster have been granted police inquiry bail.
Bono Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police Joshua Coppson, said efforts are underway to arrest remaining accomplices and recover more weapons. He urged the public to support investigators with credible information, saying the command is “working tirelessly to enhance safety and security across the region.”