Police bust armed robbery gang on Antoakrom

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has thwarted a suspected armed robbery operation along the Antoakrom–Manso Nkwanta stretch after acting on intelligence about a gang preparing to attack commuters.

The operation, carried out on December 31, 2025, followed reports that armed robbers had taken cover in a bush along the road, allegedly planning an imminent assault on road users.

Police officers dispatched to the area reportedly encountered four armed men who opened fire upon sighting the patrol team and attempted to flee. The police returned fire, during which two of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries. The remaining two suspects escaped into the surrounding bush.

The injured suspects were later identified as Usmaro Mohammed and Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Yaw. They were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.

A search conducted at the scene led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, one pump-action gun loaded with four BB cartridges, four spent cartridges, and a black bag containing 16 live rounds. Police also impounded a Toyota Voxy vehicle believed to have been used by the suspects in their criminal activities.

According to preliminary police investigations, the suspects are believed to be linked to several robbery incidents in parts of Manso and Obuasi, including the Mpohor gold robbery, the Nyinahini highway robbery, and a cocoa shed robbery at Sefwi.

Investigators have further established that the gang operated with accomplices based in Mankranso, Tamale, and Brekum. These accomplices are currently at large, and efforts are underway to track and arrest them.

“The Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will not relent in pursuing criminal elements who threaten public safety,” a police source indicated.

Police say investigations are ongoing to establish the full network of the suspects and the ownership of the impounded vehicle, while intensified patrols have been mounted along the stretch to reassure commuters.

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