The Koforidua Municipal Police Command has arrested a suspected serial burglar who allegedly broke into several shops by accessing them through their ceilings during the festive season.
The suspect, identified as Ibrahim Mutawakilu, was found hiding in the ceiling of a rural bank on Legend Street in the Ogua Electoral Area.
Police say he had carefully planned his operations, spending several days studying the area before carrying out the burglaries.
According to Superintendent Ransford Nsiah, Koforidua Central Police Commander, Mutawakilu arrived in the town on December 17, 2025, and used the ceiling of the bank as a hideout from Saturday, December 27, until the following morning.
Investigations indicate he specialised in breaking roofing sheets to gain entry, typically targeting shops on Saturday nights, looting on Sundays, and leaving early on Mondays.
Shop owners became suspicious when they noticed damage to their ceilings and missing cash or goods.
The suspect was discovered after the owners conducted a search and alerted police.
Authorities recovered a sack containing specialised burglary tools and GH₵9,133 in cash, believed to be the proceeds from his crimes.
Supt Nsiah added that the arrest is part of a broader festive season security operation, which has led to the detention of 28 other suspects for offences ranging from gambling to narcotic trafficking.
Police say Mutawakilu is currently assisting with investigations and will face prosecution.
