In a determined bid to enhance public safety and address the alarming proliferation of illegal firearms, the Ghana Police Service has launched a nationwide manhunt for individuals who have allegedly acquired pump-action guns from an illicit arms dealer operating in the Sodom and Gomorrah enclave in Accra. The announcement was made by the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Commissioner of Police (COP) Lydia Donkor, during a press briefing held on Wednesday.
The press briefing highlighted the Police Service's operational successes recorded between November and December 2025 across the Greater Accra Region and other parts of the country. COP Donkor revealed that the arrest of an arms dealer in Accra marked a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal firearms. The suspect was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation while attempting to conduct an illicit transaction. Upon interrogation, the suspect admitted to having previously sold and transported seven pump-action guns to individuals in the Northern Region.
COP Donkor assured the public that investigations are ongoing to trace and apprehend those who acquired the weapons. She emphasized the importance of addressing the illegal arms trade, which poses a grave threat to public safety and national security.
High-Profile Arrests and Operations
The press briefing also shed light on several high-profile arrests made by the Police Service in recent months. Among these was a breakthrough in the investigation into a GH¢7.5 million daylight robbery that occurred in Adabraka. A suspect, identified as Salim Mohammed, also known as Fawatha, was arrested in connection with the incident. Preliminary investigations revealed that Mohammed and his accomplices, armed with AK-47 assault rifles, ambushed the victim's vehicle, fired multiple shots, injured the driver, and fled with the cash. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and recover the stolen funds.
In another operation, five members of a notorious phone-snatching and armed robbery syndicate operating in Accra and Tema were arrested at their hideout. The Police recovered a pistol and a pump-action gun believed to have been used in several robbery operations. This syndicate was linked to a violent robbery attack on mourners at the Ashaiman Under Bridge, where cash and valuables worth over GH¢200,000 were stolen.
Additionally, eight suspects were arrested in connection with a violent residential robbery at Apollonia. Items recovered from these suspects included helmets, cutlasses, boots, and body armour vests, which are being used as evidence in ongoing investigations.
Addressing Impersonation and Firearms Misuse
In a separate intelligence-led operation, the Police apprehended a suspect impersonating a military officer in parts of Ashalaja within the Greater Accra Region. A search conducted on the suspect resulted in the recovery of two foreign-registered pistols, live 9mm and AK-47 ammunition, a military camouflage bag, a bayonet, a Huawei device, and handcuffs bearing a serial number. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect used his false identity to intimidate members of the public and facilitate criminal activities.
In another notable case, COP Donkor announced that Peregrino Briamah Abubakah Sadick, also known as Cyborg, was convicted for unlawfully discharging a firearm in public. Sadick was fined 2,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢24,000, while his firearm licence was revoked and the weapon confiscated by the state.
Renewed Commitment to Public Safety
The Ghana Police Service reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to enforcing the law and curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms. COP Donkor reminded citizens of the ongoing nationwide gun amnesty programme and urged individuals in possession of illegal or unregistered firearms to voluntarily surrender them to the appropriate authorities.
She also commended police officers for their dedication and professionalism in combating crime across the country. Additionally, she expressed gratitude to media houses for their continued support in raising awareness about crime prevention efforts.
As Ghana moves towards 2026, COP Donkor expressed optimism about achieving a safer environment for all citizens through sustained collaboration between law enforcement agencies, media outlets, and members of the public.
The Ghana Police Service remains resolute in its mission to uphold law and order while ensuring that communities across the nation remain secure for all citizens.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
