Police officers on routine patrol in the Wa West District have arrested three suspects for openly carrying firearms and ammunition without lawful authority, in an operation that security officials say averted a potential threat to public safety.
The arrests were made on Monday, February 3, 2026, at Goziri, a community near Vieri, after a police patrol team spotted a group of about five men, each allegedly armed with single-barreled guns and cutlasses.
According to the Police, the suspects attempted to flee upon sighting the patrol vehicle. However, officers swiftly gave chase and successfully arrested Yahaya Samad (27), Adams Issan (37), and Yiritang Boosi (35).
A search conducted at the scene led to the retrieval of three single-barreled guns, three cutlasses, and twenty-three (23) cartridges. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted they had no licences to possess the firearms or ammunition.
The three suspects were arraigned before the Wa Magistrate Court, presided over by Simon Kofi Bediako, and have been remanded into custody. They are expected to reappear in court on February 18, 2026, while police intensify efforts to arrest the remaining suspects who escaped.
The Upper West Regional Police Command has commended the vigilance and professionalism of the patrol team and issued a strong warning to the public—particularly individuals in possession of unlicensed firearms—to regularise their documents or face decisive police action.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the region and appealed to residents to continue supporting and collaborating with the Police to keep communities safe.
By Paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
