In a commendable display of swift action and strategic intervention, the Ashanti South Regional Police Command has successfully thwarted a planned robbery along the Antoakrom–Manso Nkwanta stretch. The operation, carried out on December 31, 2025, led to the recovery of firearms and a vehicle believed to have been used in previous criminal activities.
Acting on intelligence reports, the police learned that a gang of armed robbers had assembled in a bush along the stretch with intentions to attack unsuspecting commuters. Responding promptly, a police team was dispatched to the area, where they encountered four armed suspects. Upon confrontation, the suspects reportedly opened fire on the officers and attempted to flee. The police returned fire in self-defense, leading to a dramatic exchange.
Two of the suspects, identified as Usmaro Mohammed and Yaw Frimpong, also known as Nana Yaw, sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter. They were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead upon arrival. The remaining two suspects managed to escape into the bush, prompting an ongoing search operation.
The police recovered several items at the scene, including an AK-47 rifle loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, a pump-action gun loaded with four BB cartridges, four spent cartridges, and a black bag containing 16 live cartridges. Additionally, a Toyota Voxy vehicle was impounded, which is suspected to have been utilized in previous robbery operations.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspects are linked to multiple criminal activities in the region. These include robberies in Manso and Obuasi, the Mpohor gold robbery, the Nyinahini highway robbery, and a cocoa shed robbery at Sefwi. The police are working tirelessly to apprehend the two escaped suspects and other accomplices believed to be hiding in areas such as Mankranso, Tamale, and Brekum.
Efforts are also underway to establish ownership of the impounded vehicle and gather further evidence connecting the suspects to other criminal incidents. The police have assured the public of their commitment to maintaining law and order while ensuring the safety of residents and commuters in the region.
This operation underscores the importance of timely intelligence and coordinated action in combating crime. The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has called on members of the public to provide any information that may assist in locating the escaped suspects or preventing future criminal activities.
As investigations continue, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by organized crime and the need for vigilance among law enforcement agencies and citizens alike.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
