The Ashanti South Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service has broken up a suspected armed robbery gang following a two-day intelligence-led operation.
The operation led to the arrest of one key suspect, while two others were killed during a shootout with police.
According to a statement from the Regional Police Headquarters in Bekwai, the operations were carried out on June 16 and 17, 2026.
The gang is believed to have been involved in vehicle thefts and a number of violent robberies in Anwiankwanta, Ahwia and parts of Kumasi.
During the first operation at Ahwia near Kumasi, police arrested the suspected leader of the group, William Opoku, popularly known as “Father Blessing.” Officers said he tried to run away when he spotted the police but was eventually arrested.
Police said William Opoku later admitted to leading several robbery attacks. These included the theft of a police officer’s Toyota Corolla at Pankrono, another vehicle theft at Anloga Junction, and an armed attack on a police inspector at Kronum Brokutu in July 2025. During that attack, an AK-47 rifle and ammunition were reportedly stolen.
The suspect also mentioned some of his alleged accomplices, identified as Prince, also known as “Killer Wooah,” Sulley, also called “Shangu Spirit,” Bonkro, Aki and Yaw Antwi. He told investigators that some of the stolen vehicles and the stolen rifle were in Sulley’s possession.
On June 17, police launched another operation to arrest more members of the group, including Sulley, Bonkro, also known as “Okoronko,” and another suspect called “Long Story.”
According to police, the suspects attempted to escape on a motorbike during the operation and injured an officer in the process. This led to an exchange of gunfire between the suspects and the police.
Police said Sulley and Long Story were shot during the confrontation. They were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. Another suspect managed to escape and is currently being hunted by the police.
Investigators have also linked the gang to other vehicle theft cases, including a robbery at Moro Market in Kumasi. Police say efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and recover stolen vehicles and other items connected to the crimes.
The police have cautioned criminal groups operating within the jurisdiction to desist from their activities, stressing that security agencies remain committed to ensuring public safety and bringing offenders to justice.
