The Ashanti Regional Police Command has successfully dismantled a violent carjacking syndicate following the fatal shooting of Mr. Andrews Amankwah on 10th February 2026 at Ohwim-Amanfrom in Kumasi. The announcement was made during a media briefing by the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Mr. Osei Akoto Arthur.
The intelligence-led operation, coordinated under the strategic guidance of the Inspector-General of Police, involved the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, and the CID Anti-Armed Robbery Unit. It employed sustained surveillance, technical intelligence, and targeted interventions, resulting in the arrest of several key suspects and the neutralization of the syndicate’s leader.
Between 18th and 22nd February 2026, four principal members of the criminal group, known as the “Duku Syndicate,” were apprehended in separate operations across Kumasi and its environs. One suspect sustained gunshot wounds during an operation and later died at the hospital.
The arrests began on 18th February with the detention of 47-year-old Akwasi Manu, a farmer, for unlawful possession of the deceased victim’s mobile phone. This breakthrough paved the way for subsequent arrests. On 19th February, 33-year-old Bashiru Tanko, alias “TK,” was arrested at Atonsu, Kumasi. Investigations revealed Tanko’s prior involvement in car-snatching activities in Tarkwa and at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), although he was reportedly sidelined from the most recent fatal operations due to internal financial disputes within the syndicate.
On 21st February, 35-year-old Kojo Amponsah, alias “Kamakazi,” was arrested at Hwireso near Boankra. His interrogation provided crucial intelligence linking the syndicate to multiple violent robberies targeting Toyota Hilux vehicles in Kumasi.
The operation reached its climax on 22nd February when the alleged syndicate leader, 42-year-old Eric Antwi Duku, was fatally shot during an operation and later pronounced dead at the hospital. Items recovered from him included a Bruni Mod 84 pistol, eight rounds of live ammunition, a tracking detection device, forged vehicle documents, and a Toyota Corolla S belonging to the deceased suspect, which was impounded.
Later the same night, 38-year-old Emmanuel Kwame Appiah, alias “Taller,” was arrested at Danyame, Kumasi. Investigations indicate he acted as the syndicate’s driver during the fatal Ohwim-Amanfrom robbery.
Preliminary investigations have confirmed that the syndicate specialized in targeting Toyota Hilux vehicles, often conducting prior surveillance on victims. The group escalated to using lethal force to facilitate vehicle theft. Links have been established to the murder of Mr. Andrews Amankwah and a separate robbery at Kronum, where a victim was also fatally shot and a vehicle belonging to the Ghana National Association of Teachers was stolen.
The suspects have confessed to multiple robberies in Tarkwa and Kumasi, revealing the movement of stolen vehicles toward the northern border corridor. Key confessed incidents include thefts of Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser vehicles in Tarkwa and surrounding towns between April 2025 and February 2026.
The recovered firearm is currently undergoing forensic and ballistic examination to determine its connection to various crime scenes. Investigations continue to identify additional accomplices, including those involved in the disposal of stolen vehicles and the preparation of forged documents.
DCOP Osei Akoto Arthur emphasized that the suspects had previously evaded arrest despite being on the wanted list of the Western Central Regional Police Command. He reiterated the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks operating in the Ashanti Region and beyond.
He urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support law enforcement in protecting communities and ensuring that justice is served.
