A Christmas Eve police operation in the Ashanti Region ended in a deadly shootout after officers confronted a suspected robbery gang hiding in a bush near Anwiankwanta.
The incident occurred in a forested area between Anwiankwanta and the Jacobu Junction, where police intelligence indicated that a group of armed men had gathered and were preparing to attack motorists along the Anwiankwanta to Obuasi road.
Acting on the information, officers mounted an intelligence-led operation to prevent a possible robbery spree.
According to police accounts, the team moved into the area using four service vehicles and spotted five young men believed to be members of a notorious robbery gang.
Upon sighting the officers, the suspects allegedly opened fire and attempted to flee through the bush. Police returned fire during the exchange.
Three of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation. They were later transported to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.
The deceased have been identified as Seidu Issah, aged 29, Musah Yakubu, aged 35, and Yahaya Munkaila, also known as Tijani, aged 25.
Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital morgue pending preservation and autopsy.
The remaining two suspects managed to escape into the bush and are currently on the run. Police say efforts are underway to track them down and bring them into custody.
Investigators say the deceased suspects were already wanted in connection with a series of robberies and killings reported in Manso, Jacobu and surrounding communities.
Items retrieved from the scene included two pump-action guns loaded with ammunition, an unbranded pistol, a sack containing live cartridges and several spent rounds.
The Ghana Police Service has assured residents in the area that patrols and intelligence operations will be intensified to prevent further criminal activity and restore a sense of safety.
