The Ashanti Regional Police Command says it has made a major breakthrough in its fight against armed robbery and violent crime in the region following the arrest of six persons suspected to be members or associates of an organised armed robbery syndicate.
The suspects were arrested by the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit, Kumasi, during intelligence-led operations in August 2026.
They have been identified as Philip Nyarko alias “Kawawa”; Hadi Samed alias “Toronto”; Issahaku Musah alias “Isak”; Suraj Mohammed alias “Baba Nde”, also known as “Trouble”; Hadi Abdul Majeed alias “Panie”; and Foster Owusu Afriyie alias “Joe Fraizer”.
Police investigations have linked the suspects to reported street robbery incidents at Kaase, Ahinsan Estate, Santasi New Site, Bronikrom, Kwadaso Estate and other locations within the Ashanti Region.
The Police say they have so far recovered two motorcycles, two machetes, knives, an iPhone 13, five keypad mobile phones, a laptop and 33 assorted mobile phones, among other exhibits believed to be connected to the alleged criminal activities.
Further investigations also led to the arrest of Augustine Agyemang Duah, who is suspected of assisting members of the syndicate to unlock mobile phones believed to have been stolen.
Police say three of the suspects, Philip Nyarko, Hadi Samed and Abdul Shattar, were previously arrested in December 2025 over an alleged conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted robbery. They were arraigned before the Asokwa Circuit Court 1 and granted bail. The case remains pending.
According to the Police, investigations indicate that some of the suspects allegedly resumed criminal activities following their release.
Abdul Shattar is currently at large, while police are also searching for other persons suspected to be connected to the syndicate, including Andy, Umaru, Dauda, Malik and Abdul Farouk.
The Police are urging anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact the authorities and not to confront or attempt to arrest them.
Persons who may have lost mobile phones or other property during robbery incidents are also encouraged to contact the Police to help identify the recovered exhibits.
The arrested suspects are expected to be processed for arraignment before the appropriate court as investigations continue.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command says the operation forms part of its commitment to using intelligence-led and targeted operations to disrupt organised criminal activities and protect lives and property.
The Command also acknowledged the operational and investigative support of the IGP’s Special Operations Team (SOT) in the ongoing crackdown.
By Peter Quao Adattor/paqmdiagh
