Ashanti South Police dismantle armed robbery syndicate; key suspect killed, alleged leader arrested
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has successfully dismantled a suspected armed robbery syndicate following two coordinated operations at Krofrom and Mamponteng near Kumasi, resulting in the death of a key suspect and the arrest of the alleged gang leader.
The first intelligence-led operation, carried out on March 26, 2026, led to the arrest of 27-year-old Munir Ali, popularly known as “Petit,” who later died while receiving treatment at the Bekwai Municipal Hospital.
According to the police, the operation was spearheaded by the Regional Operations Commander with support from senior officers and other personnel. Upon spotting the police, the suspect reportedly attempted to flee and opened fire, prompting officers to return fire and injure him.
He was subsequently apprehended and rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Speaking to the media, ACP Cephas Arthur disclosed that during preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in a string of robbery incidents across multiple locations.
“The suspect admitted participating in several robbery operations, including an attack on commuters along the Obuasi-Dunkwa road on March 10, where victims were ambushed in broad daylight,” ACP Arthur revealed.
Police noted that during that particular incident, two suspects—David Aheto and Illiasu Bawa—were killed in a shootout, while Munir Ali managed to escape at the time.
Confessions expose widespread criminal network
Further revelations from the deceased suspect linked the gang to a series of robberies, including incidents between Manso Mpatasie and Manso Odaho on March 3, and another at Mankranso on March 7, 2026.
He also implicated the group in robbery activities in Tarkwa in the Western Region and Aflao in the Volta Region.
A search conducted on him led to the retrieval of an unmarked pistol, one spent cartridge, and two live cartridges.
Before his death, Munir Ali named several accomplices believed to be part of the syndicate, including individuals identified as Dauda, Orlo, Bash, Emma (also known as Abodie), and Atta Kakra alias A.T, as well as the alleged gang leader known as Obey.
Second operation leads to arrest of gang leader
Acting on the intelligence gathered, police mounted a second operation on March 28, 2026, at Mamponteng, leading to the arrest of the alleged gang leader, Osmanu Razak, also known as Obey, aged 28, from Garu.
During interrogation, Osmanu Razak reportedly admitted to participating in several robbery incidents, including the Mankranso robbery and another at Kunsu Wiaso near Mankranso.
“The suspect confirmed his involvement in the Tarkwa robbery but denied any role in the Aflao incident, claiming it was carried out by the deceased suspect and other accomplices,” police stated.
He further identified Bash, Emma alias Abodie, and Atta Kakra alias A.T as members of the gang, adding that the two AK-47 rifles and a pump-action shotgun are currently in the possession of Bash, who remains on the run.
Police intensify manhunt for remaining suspects
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has assured the public that efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate.
“We are on the heels of the remaining members of the gang, who will soon be arrested and brought to book,” the Command emphasized.
Reiterating its commitment to combating violent crime, the police issued a strong warning to criminal elements within the region.
“We have declared war on armed robbery and other violent crimes, and we shall not rest until we achieve our objective,” the statement concluded.
The police have also called on the public to support ongoing operations by providing credible information to aid in the arrest of the remaining suspects.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/John Antwi Boasiako
