Ashanti region: Nine arrested over attack on public officers at Tweapease
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has arrested nine people in connection with a violent attack on public officers at Tweapease in the Ashanti Region on January 3, 2026.
Addressing journalists at a press conference at the Ashanti South Police Command conference room, the Regional Police Commander, ACP Cephas Arthur, said the suspects were picked up following intensive investigations into the incident.
Suspects named, victims identified
ACP Arthur confirmed that the suspects, aged between 17 and 40, are Alex Sarfo, Roland Asiedu, Desmond Obideaba, Emmanuel Agveman, Isaac Dwumfour, Evans Bannor, Joshua Frimpong, Yaw Alex, and William Bannor.
According to police, the victims were Lance Corporal Michael Quarshie of the Regional Formed Police Unit base in Kumasi and Mr Emmanuel Kusi, a private security officer with TW Mines. The two officers were providing security for a football match organised by the company when they were allegedly ambushed by a mob.
“The suspects subjected the officers to severe beatings, inflicted injuries on them, and made attempts to snatch the police officer’s firearm,” ACP Arthur told the media.
Court proceedings and manhunt
The nine suspects were arraigned before the Bekwai Circuit Court on January 8, 2026, and were remanded into custody to reappear on January 21, 2026. ACP Arthur disclosed that police are still searching for one Rabbi Buabeng, whom investigators have identified as the alleged ringleader of the mob.
“We are pursuing all leads to ensure that every person involved in this attack is brought to justice,” he said.
Separate gang linked to robbery and sexual assault arrested
In a related development, ACP Arthur revealed that the Juaso Police had arrested a five-member gang suspected of robbing and sexually assaulting young women, mostly students, within the region.
The suspects, David Adusah alias Viber, Samuel Amantor alias Road, Andrew Odei alias Salinco, Sharif Mohammed alias Isco, and Joseph Addo Ofori alias Moves, appeared before the Konongo District Court on January 8, 2026, and were remanded to reappear on January 28, 2026.
Police investigations indicate that the gang lured victims into private vehicles under false pretences, drove them to isolated areas along the Morso Road, robbed them, and in some cases sexually assaulted them. Reported attacks occurred in August, October, and November 2025. ACP Arthur noted that on January 2, 2026, one victim escaped sexual assault because she was menstruating.
Following intelligence-led operations, police raided the gang’s hideout at New Abirem in the Eastern Region, recovering a Toyota RAV4 believed to have been used in the crimes, military camouflage uniforms, a bayonet case, mobile phone covers, and a photograph of the alleged gang leader in uniform. Seven other suspects arrested in the operation were granted bail, while the five were charged and remanded.
Robbery conviction secured
In another update, ACP Arthur announced that on January 12, 2026, the Bekwai Police secured a 20-year prison sentence against Michael Antwi Boasiako for his role in a robbery near Wawase on August 14, 2025.
Boasiako and an accomplice were found to have attacked a tricycle operator, Godfred Tabi, tied him up, and escaped with his vehicle.
Police assure public of safety
ACP Cephas Arthur reaffirmed the command’s resolve to maintain law and order across the region.
“The Ashanti South Regional Police Command remains committed to ensuring public safety, apprehending criminals, and protecting lives and property,” he said.
Story by Francis Appiah
