The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested several suspects involved in a string of violent residential robberies across parts of the region, in a coordinated intelligence-led operation.

One suspect sustained gunshot wounds during an exchange of fire with police officers and was later pronounced dead at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) by medical personnel. Another suspect, identified as Yahaya Nuhu, is currently on the run and is being actively pursued.

The operation, executed through swift action by joint patrol teams from the KNUST District and the Regional Operations Unit, culminated in the arrest of the suspects at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Friday, 27th June 2025.

The breakthrough resulted from leads gathered by the Police Intelligence Department (PID) in the Ashanti Region. The suspects were said to be wearing Face masks during the robberies.

The arrests follow a series of armed robbery reports from residents of Abuakwa, Tanoso, Apatrapa, Dechembuoso, Appiadu, and neighbouring communities. Investigations revealed that the suspects, armed with pump-action guns, pistols, and other deadly weapons, forcibly broke into homes, held families hostage, and robbed them of cash, electronic gadgets, and other valuables.

Key suspects apprehended from their hideouts within the Kumasi Metropolis included Kwadwo Kyei Baffour, 39, Joseph Oppong, alias Joe, 30, Bernard Owusu Ansah, alias Hot Boy, 27

Items retrieved during the operation include multiple laptops, tablets, and mobile phones, as well as Wristwatches, television sets, and Wi-Fi routers.

Also retrieved were three vehicles: a Kia Morning and two Toyota Corollas (Reg. Nos. GX 4388-19 and AS 4777-22), a Taurus pistol (Serial No. ACC721513) with four rounds of 9mm ammunition, an NP Cal 9x19mm pistol (Serial No. 11501418) and a Jojeff pump-action shotgun (Serial No. 8782) with 33 rounds of ammunition.

During interrogation, suspect Kwadwo Kyei Baffour admitted his involvement in the robberies and further confessed to raping a victim during one of the attacks.

Additional suspects arrested in connection with the robbery syndicate include Kwadwo Konadu, 28, James Asare Boateng, 26, Emmanuel Asiedu, 27 and Maxwell Gyimah, 30.

Suspect Bernard Owusu Ansah, who is currently receiving medical treatment under armed police guard at KATH, led investigators to additional weapons in his possession, including a Bruni Mod 92 Auto Cal 8mm pistol (Serial No. 180921), a Ricol 15-0924 pump-action gun and a single-barrel shotgun.

A Foocio Cal 4.5mm pistol, modified for use as a converter weapon, was also recovered from suspect Joseph Oppong.

Further arrests include Kelvin Adomako, alias Chemicals, 29, apprehended at Ejisu Hwereso, Daniel Dwumor, 46, arrested at Bantama for allegedly providing intelligence that facilitated the robbery in the Appiadu area

All arrested individuals are currently in police custody and will be arraigned before the court shortly. The police have assured the public that an intensive manhunt is ongoing to apprehend Yahaya Nuhu, the remaining suspect.

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has commended the public for its cooperation and reiterated its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring that justice is served.

The Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, confirmed these during a media briefing on the recent operation, which the Regional Intelligence Department conducted in collaboration with the KNUST Police District.

According to DCOP Teye-Cudjoe, the police launched a major operation on Friday, June 27, at around 11:30 a.m., resulting in the arrest of 10 suspects. One of the suspects, Bernard Owusu Ansah, also known as “Hot Boy”, sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving treatment at KATH under police guard.

“During the operation, one suspect sustained gunshot wounds during an exchange of fire with police officers and was later pronounced dead,” the commander said.

DCOP Teye-Cudjoe urged the public to collaborate with the police by providing credible information to help combat crime in the region.

“The suspects are in lawful custody and will be arraigned before the court in the coming days,” the commander assured.

He added that intensive efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspect, Yahaya Nuhu.