Three suspected armed robbers wanted over a series of robbery incidents in parts of the Ashanti Region have been killed in a shootout with police at Poano.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation by the Ashanti South Regional Police Command.
The suspects were identified as 56-year-old Yaw Adu Gyamfi, alias Forsher; 38-year-old Emmanuel Boamah Gyebi, alias Begee; and 29-year-old Felix Topman, alias Rasta.
According to the police, the three were believed to be hiding at the Dousarp Hotel at Atwima Mim near Nkawie and were allegedly preparing to carry out another robbery.
Police said the suspects were wanted in connection with robbery cases reported in Obuasi, New Edubiase and the Manso areas.
During interrogation, Yaw Gyamfi allegedly admitted involvement in several robbery incidents and killings. Police said he also implicated the other two suspects as accomplices.
The suspects reportedly told investigators that they were planning to attack road users on the Anwia Nkwanta-Antoakrom road that night.
They further disclosed that additional weapons had been hidden in a bush at Poano.
Police officers accompanied the suspects to the location at about 7 pm to retrieve the weapons. However, while the search was underway, unidentified persons in the bush allegedly opened fire on the police team.
The suspects also attempted to escape through the bush, prompting the officers to return fire.
All three suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange. A police officer, Chief Inspector Joseph Kwakye, also suffered a minor injury and is receiving medical treatment.
Police subsequently recovered an unmarked AK-47 assault rifle loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition, two unmarked pump-action guns and 24 BB cartridges from the area.
The three suspects were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital mortuary pending preservation and autopsy.
Police said some other suspected accomplices, who may have sustained gunshot injuries, escaped into the bush.
