Ashanti Region: Police arrest suspect linked to vehicle theft ring, 2 alleged accomplices killed

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has arrested a suspect wanted in connection with a series of car-snatching robberies and vehicle thefts in the Ashanti Region.

The suspect, William Opoku, also known as Father Blessing, was arrested during an intelligence-led operation at Ahwiaa near Kumasi after police identified hideouts allegedly used by him and members of his gang at Ahwiaa and Pankrono.

According to police, William Opoku admitted during interrogation to involvement in several vehicle theft cases, including the theft of a Toyota Corolla on the Anwiankwanta–Asanso road, a Toyota Corolla belonging to a police officer at Pankrono, another Toyota Corolla at Moro Market, and a white Toyota Corolla stolen at Anloga Junction in Kumasi.

Police said the suspect subsequently led investigators to a workshop where the white Toyota Corolla was recovered while undergoing repairs.

He also allegedly confessed to involvement in an attack on a police officer at Kronum Brokutu on July 5, 2025, during which an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition were stolen.

The suspect identified his alleged accomplices as Prince, also known as Killer Wooah; Suley, also known as Shangu Spirit; Bonkro, also known as Okoronko; Aki; and Yaw Antwi.

Police said a follow-up operation conducted on June 17, 2026, led officers to three suspects travelling on an unregistered Honda PCX motorbike. During an attempt to arrest them, the rider allegedly knocked down a police officer and opened fire while fleeing.

Police returned fire, during which Suley alias Shangu Spirit and another suspect identified as Long Story sustained gunshot wounds. Bonkro alias Okoronko reportedly escaped.

According to police, Suley alias Shangu Spirit had been linked to several vehicle theft and car-snatching cases, including incidents at Anwiankwanta–Asanso, Anloga Junction and Moro Market, as well as the attack on the police officer at Kronum Brokutu.

Police further stated that the stolen AK-47 rifle is believed to have been kept by William Opoku for safekeeping.

The injured suspects were taken to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital for treatment but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital mortuary pending autopsy.

William Opoku remains in police custody assisting with investigations.

The police command said efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects, including Bonkro alias Okoronko, and to recover the stolen vehicles, the AK-47 rifle and ammunition.