In a major breakthrough in the fight against crime, the Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber who was allegedly on his way to carry out a robbery at a mobile money vendor’s shop in Dichemso, a suburb of Kumasi.
The suspect, identified as Ben “Sniper” Ofusi, a 27-year-old man, was apprehended by police patrol officers on Saturday evening, August 2, 2025, near the Asafo Interchange. According to police sources, Ofusi was acting suspiciously and attempted to flee upon noticing the patrol team, prompting the officers to pursue and arrest him.
Upon a thorough search, police discovered a locally manufactured pistol and five rounds of live ammunition concealed on his person. His arrest has been hailed by security officials as timely and critical in preventing what could have been a violent robbery.
During initial interrogation, Ben Ofusi reportedly confessed that he was en route to Dichemso with the intent to rob a mobile money vendor he had been monitoring for over a week. He told investigators that he had studied the vendor’s routine and believed that Saturday evening would be the ideal time to strike due to reduced human traffic in the area.
“He told our officers that he had observed the vendor for several days and believed he could overpower her before help arrived,” a senior police officer revealed under condition of anonymity. “Thanks to our officers’ vigilance, we were able to prevent the robbery and alert the intended victim.”
Following the confession, police swiftly moved to secure the Dichemso area and notified the vendor, who was reportedly closing up for the day. The quick action by the police may have saved her from a potentially life-threatening encounter.
Residents and business owners in Dichemso and surrounding communities have expressed deep concern over the incident, especially given the increasing number of robberies targeting mobile money agents in the metropolis. Some vendors say they have had to adjust their operating hours and adopt additional security measures for fear of being attacked.
“I now close by 5:00 p.m. because you never know who’s watching you,” said Adwoa Serwaa, a mobile money operator in Dichemso. “These criminals are always lurking, and it’s becoming scarier by the day. This is not the first time we’ve heard of such a plot.”
Preliminary investigations suggest that Ben “Sniper” Ofusi could be linked to a series of similar robberies that have rocked Kumasi in recent weeks. Of particular interest to police is a case involving a daylight robbery of a mobile money vendor at Bantama last month, where the assailant used a weapon similar to the one found on Ofusi.
Authorities say data retrieved from the suspect’s mobile phone and social media platforms could help trace his movements and possible links to other criminal elements operating in the city.
Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Kwaku Agyemang, has assured the public that the police are intensifying operations in known crime hotspots. He also urged residents to collaborate more closely with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activity in their communities.
“This arrest is a clear demonstration of what we can achieve when the public and the police work hand in hand,” DCOP Agyemang said. “We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and share information that can help us prevent crime.”
Ben Ofusi remains in police custody and is expected to be arraigned before court on Monday, August 4, 2025. He is likely to face charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, attempted robbery, and resisting arrest.
As investigations continue, police have promised to keep the public informed and to do everything possible to dismantle criminal networks threatening the safety of law-abiding citizens in Kumasi.
