The Ghana Police Service has successfully dismantled a notorious armed robbery syndicate responsible for a series of violent attacks on rural banks across multiple regions.
At a press conference held on Wednesday, September 24, 2024, at the National Police Headquarters in Accra, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, described the operation as a significant milestone in the Service’s ongoing fight against organised crime.
“Today, we are pleased to announce a major breakthrough in our fight against violent crimes, particularly armed robbery,” the IGP stated.
According to Dr. Yohuno, the Police Service had been tracking a pattern of coordinated robberies targeting financial institutions—particularly rural banks—over the past year. After months of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and collaboration with informants, the syndicate was finally traced and apprehended.
The joint operation, conducted across five regions—Ahafo, Western, Central, Eastern, and Ashanti—targeted key towns including:
- Esereso Adagya
- Ejisu Achiaakrom
- Atonsu-Kyirapatre
- Ahwia-Zongo
- Aputuogya-Abuontem
- Kaase-BOST
- Asuofua
- Atonsu-Monaco
- Pakyi
- Obuasi
- Buoho near Kronum
During the raids:
- 10 suspects were arrested
- 3 were killed in a gunfire exchange with police
- A manhunt is underway for remaining fugitives
The operation also led to the seizure of:
- 14 firearms, including AK-47s, pump-action guns, pistols, and a single-barreled gun
- Ammunition
- Vehicles
- Mobile phones
Dr. Yohuno commended the Ashanti Regional Police Commander and his intelligence team for their critical role in the operation. He also expressed gratitude to the general public for providing valuable intelligence, encouraging continued collaboration.
“We appreciate the credible information from members of the public that made this breakthrough possible,” he said. “We are committed to rewarding those who support us with actionable intelligence.”
The IGP concluded by reaffirming the Police Service’s zero tolerance for violent crime and its determination to bring all criminal elements to justice.
“We will continue to make life unbearable for criminals. We will find you, and we will bring you to justice,” he warned.
