The Eastern South Regional Police Command has arrested ten suspects and retrieved nine weapons in separate operations in Akwatia as part of heightened security measures ahead of the upcoming by-election in the Eastern Region.
The weapons, made up of eight pump-action guns and one locally manufactured single-barrel gun, were seized during snap-checks and intelligence-led operations aimed at preventing the unlawful possession and use of firearms during the electoral process.
Arrest and Seizures
On 22nd August 2025, police officers intercepted a vehicle near St. Dominic Hospital in Akwatia, driven by Bernard Kumi Ofosu. A search uncovered one Tulpar double-barrel pump-action gun, four AAA live cartridges, and two FTB blank cartridges. Ofosu admitted ownership and produced a valid license. He is in custody, assisting investigations while the exhibits undergo verification.
At the Akwatia Y-Junction snap check, officers arrested Joshua Amenuku after 15 live BB cartridges were retrieved from him. A follow-up search at his residence led to the discovery of an ADLER TULPA pump-action gun and five more live BB cartridges.
Later that evening, police at the Boadua Livingstone snap check point intercepted a Toyota Hilux pick-up, arresting Enoch Asiedu and Lu Youyan, a Chinese national. Four live BB cartridges were retrieved from the vehicle, with preliminary investigations revealing that the ammunition allegedly belonged to their employer, identified only as Mohammed, the vehicle owner. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest him.
On 23rd August 2025, another suspect, Pieterson Joseph, was arrested at the Boadua Livingstone Junction snap check point after police retrieved one ADLER TULPAR pump-action gun along with 46 AAA and BB cartridges from his vehicle. He admitted ownership of the firearm.
That same day, officers at Staff Village, Boadua, intercepted a Toyota Tundra pick-up (registration number WR 5535-13) travelling from Asamankese. A search uncovered three pump-action guns—identified as a Pardus, a Hulglu Atroe, and another pump-action gun. The driver, Stephen Nkansah, claimed ownership of two weapons and alleged that the third belonged to his chief. He has since been detained for investigations.
Police Assures Public Safety
The Eastern South Regional Police Command says these operations form part of intensified security arrangements to guarantee peace, law, and order before, during, and after the Akwatia By-Election.
Police assured the public and stakeholders of their commitment to ensuring a safe electoral process, warning that anyone found in unlawful possession of firearms will be dealt with according to the law.
By peter Quao Adattor
