In a significant breakthrough, the Ghana Police Service has apprehended key members of a notorious armed robbery gang believed to be responsible for a string of violent crimes across the country. The arrests follow extensive investigations and coordinated operations by the police.
Arrested Suspects and Accomplices
The suspects arrested include Kofi Ishmael, aged 30, Kwame Bediako, also known by aliases such as Star Boy, Nkokopo, Kwame Mike, or Father, who is said to be the ringleader, and Kwame Bonsu, alias Killer Ntua. Several other accomplices have been identified and are actively being pursued by law enforcement agencies.
The gang's criminal activities reportedly span several regions, with their most recent operation being a robbery at Peduase, Aburi, on November 29, 2025. During this incident, three armed men attacked the residence of J.A. Biney, stealing mobile phones—including iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 16 Plus, and Infinix Hot 50i—jewellery, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Arrest Operations
On January 6, 2026, a joint operation by the Eastern Regional Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) and the Accra Regional PID led to the arrest of Kofi Ishmael at his hideout in Avenor, Accra. During interrogation, Ishmael confessed to his involvement in the Peduase robbery and identified Kwame Bediako as the leader of the gang. He also named several other accomplices, including Kwasi Akambuley (alias Kwasi Fresh), Salia Mohammed (alias Kwaku Nuah), Mumuni Abdul Razak Akakuub (alias Mogambo), Aticho Kojo (alias Kalovi), and Kwame Bonsu (alias Killer Ntua).
Ishmael subsequently led police to Ablekumah Agape, where Kwame Bediako was apprehended. A search of Bediako’s residence uncovered a pump-action gun buried within the fence wall and concealed in a sack alongside four BB cartridges. Bediako admitted his involvement in the Peduase robbery and implicated a taxi driver named Gideon as another accomplice.
Further Investigations
Police investigations revealed that the gang was behind a series of highway robberies targeting Burkinabe, Nigerian, Malian, and Ghanaian trailer drivers along major routes such as the Tema Motorway, Achimota Forest Road, Pokuase, Amasaman, Suhum, Nkawkaw, and the Juaso–Kumasi stretch. The suspects were reportedly planning another robbery on the day of their arrest.
Acting on intelligence, police conducted operations in Nkawkaw, Fodoa, and Nnadieso in the Eastern Region. Additional suspects—Kwasi Akambuley, Salia Mohammed, Mumuni Abdul Razak Akakuub, Aticho Kojo, and Kwame Bonsu—were apprehended while allegedly preparing for a highway robbery. During the arrest operation, Kwame Bonsu sustained a gunshot wound to the knee after he reportedly attacked officers in an attempt to escape. He is currently receiving treatment at the Police Hospital and is said to be recovering well.
Links to Previous Robberies
Further investigations have linked the gang to numerous past crimes. These include an attack on October 16, 2025, at Ngleshie Amanfro where market women were robbed of GH¢30,000 and mobile phones; multiple robberies in Kibi and Suhum; and a 2023 incident in which Yaw Boakye of Sarfo Nyame Cold Store was killed during a robbery that netted GH¢1.2 million.
The gang is also suspected of attacking a National RDF police officer at the Accra–Tema Toll Booth on September 24, 2025. During this incident, they stole an AK-47 rifle and ammunition, which were later abandoned at the Tesano Quartermaster Stores. Notably, it has been revealed that Kwame Bediako had previously jumped bail in connection with some of these cases.
Recovered Items
The police have recovered several exhibits linked to the gang's activities. These include:
- A black Zastava pistol with serial number 833577
- 19 rounds of 9mm ammunition
- Five empty cartridges
- Two rubber pistols
- A pump-action gun
- Machetes
- A knife
- Mobile phones
- Cowries
- A purse containing assorted ID cards
Ongoing Investigations
Efforts are currently underway to apprehend all remaining suspects who are still at large. The police have also called on victims of the various robberies to come forward and assist with ongoing investigations.
This successful operation underscores the commitment of the Ghana Police Service to ensuring public safety and combating organized crime. The authorities have assured citizens that they will continue to pursue justice for victims and maintain law and order across the nation.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
