The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has achieved a significant security breakthrough, intercepting a substantial cache of ammunition and tactical military equipment. The operation, which commenced with the arrest of two individuals on December 26, 2025, culminated in a detailed public briefing by ACP Cephas Arthur, the Deputy Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, on Tuesday, December 30, highlighting the gravity of the seizure at the Kantanso–Asankare Police Barrier in the Ashanti Region.

The incident unfolded when eagle-eyed police officers at the strategic Asankare Police Barrier halted a Kia Granbird commercial bus, bearing registration number GT 5771-18. The vehicle, reportedly travelling from Accra to Walewale en route to Paga, towards the northern part of the country, was subjected to a routine stop-and-search operation. During the inspection, officers discovered two concealed containers, later identified as plastic paint buckets, hidden within the bus. These containers held a massive quantity of 2,600 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition.

Further investigation and a thorough search of the bus yielded additional alarming discoveries. Beneath the driver’s seat, a bag was found containing crucial tactical gear: two military-grade bulletproof plates or vests, a black crushed helmet (or ballistic helmets), and a pair of long boots. The sheer volume of ammunition, coupled with the presence of body armour, strongly suggests that the individuals behind this shipment were engaged in a high-stakes criminal enterprise and were prepared for potential armed confrontation.

The two suspects arrested in connection with this illicit transport were identified as Kwame Afram, the bus driver, and Godfred Essel, his mate. Both individuals were taken into police custody on December 26, 2025, and are actively assisting with the ongoing investigations. The intercepted bus and all recovered items have been impounded as evidence while police intensify their inquiries into the matter.

ACP Cephas Arthur emphasized the critical timing of this seizure, as the nation prepares for crossover services and festive gatherings during the transition into the New Year. He reassured the public of heightened police presence and commitment to thwarting criminal activities, noting that personnel would be visible across all major transit routes and residential hubs. The Deputy Commander specifically assured police protection on December 31, 2025, urging Ghanaians to prioritize securing their homes against potential robbers.

This bust is particularly significant amidst heightened regional concerns regarding the illicit transit of small arms and light weapons. The Asankare Barrier, strategically located on the main Accra-Kumasi highway, serves as a vital choke point for intercepting contraband moving between the southern and northern sectors of Ghana. The Regional Command has initiated a full-scale investigation aimed at determining the precise source of the ammunition and identifying its intended recipients. While the driver and passengers are being interrogated, police have indicated that more arrests are imminent as they work diligently to dismantle the entire supply chain responsible for this dangerous consignment.

To further ensure public safety during the festive season, the Ashanti South Regional Command has issued several key recommendations to the public: residents are advised to ensure all windows and doors are reinforced before leaving for events; those planning extended absences should inform trusted neighbours; and everyone is urged to call police emergency lines (191 or 112) immediately if they notice suspicious vehicles or individuals in their vicinity. ACP Cephas Arthur concluded by reiterating, “Our personnel remain committed to ensuring that the festive season remains peaceful.”