Ashanti South Police Shoot Dead Two Armed Robbers, Recover AK-47, Pump-Action Gun and Vehicle in Intelligence-Led Operation

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has busted yet another dangerous armed robbery syndicate following a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation near Manso Antoakrom in the Ashanti Region.

According to the Police, intelligence received on 31st December 2025 indicated that a group of armed robbers had converged at a location along the Antoakrom–Manso Nkwanta stretch of road, preparing to launch an attack on unsuspecting commuters.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, Police officers moved to the area. Upon arrival, the suspects opened fire on the Police in an attempt to escape. The officers, however, responded with tactical superiority and, acting in self-defence, returned fire. In the ensuing exchange, two of the suspects were shot, while two others, believed to have sustained gunshot wounds, managed to escape.

The two injured suspects were immediately rescued and rushed to the Bekwai Government Hospital for medical attention but were pronounced dead on arrival.

Addressing the media at a press briefing held at the Ashanti South Regional Police Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Cephas Arthur spoke on behalf of the Ashanti South Regional Police Command and the Regional Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr. Joseph Hammond Nyaaba.

ACP Cephas Arthur disclosed that a search conducted at the scene led to the recovery of several deadly weapons and exhibits, including one AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of ammunition, one pump-action gun loaded with four BB cartridges, four spent BB cartridges, a black bag containing sixteen live cartridges, and a black Toyota Voxy vehicle with registration number AS 6412-25.

The deceased suspects were later identified as Mohammed Umaru, aged 28, and Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Yaw, aged 26.

According to the Police, investigations revealed that the suspects confessed to having carried out several violent robbery operations across the country. These include the Mpohor gold robbery, during which gold valued at $3.2 million was stolen; the Nyinahini highway robbery, which resulted in the killing of a Voxy driver; and the cocoa shed robbery at Sefwi.

ACP Cephas Arthur stated that the Police are actively following up on further intelligence to apprehend the remaining suspects who escaped, as well as other accomplices connected to the gang’s criminal activities.

He further appealed to medical facilities and the general public to promptly report any persons with suspected gunshot wounds who may present themselves for treatment to the nearest Police Station or the Ashanti South Regional Police Command for the necessary action.

The Ashanti South Police Command assured the public of its firm commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region, in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s directive to combat crime in all its forms and ensure a safe and conducive environment for socio-economic activities.

ACP Cephas Arthur recalled that during a previous media engagement last year following the seizure of 2,600 rounds of AK-47 ammunition at Asankare, the Regional Commander, DCOP Joseph Hammond Nyaaba, called on criminals and individuals in possession of illegal firearms to voluntarily surrender them without fear of arrest, warning that failure to do so would lead to their eventual arrest.

“Perhaps these individuals thought they were too superior to be arrested, but lo and behold, here we are,” he noted. “Some have lost their lives, others have sustained gunshot wounds and are on the run, but they will definitely be apprehended.”

He reiterated the Police Command’s standing call on the public to surrender all illegal weapons freely, warning that the full rigours of the law would be applied to anyone who refuses to comply.

“Otherwise, the long arm of the law will soon catch up with you,” he cautioned.