Police in the Eastern South Region have arrested 10 individuals and seized nine firearms in a series of targeted operations in Akwatia, as part of heightened security measures ahead of the upcoming by-election.

The Police Command confirmed that the weapons recovered include eight pump-action shotguns and one locally manufactured single-barreled gun.

Police say the operations are part of a broader crackdown on the illegal possession and use of firearms during election-related activities.

According to a post shared by the Ghana Police Service, on August 22, officers intercepted a vehicle near St. Dominic Hospital in Akwatia, driven by a man named Bernard Kumi Ofosu.

A subsequent search revealed a Tulpar double-barrel pump-action gun, four AAA live cartridges, and two FTB blank cartridges. Ofosu, who admitted to ownership and produced a valid firearm licence, was taken into custody to assist with the investigation. The weapon and ammunition were retained for further verification.

In a separate incident the same day, police arrested Joshua Amenuku at the Akwatia Y-Junction snap checkpoint after finding 15 live BB cartridges in his possession.

A follow-up search at his residence uncovered an ADLER TULPA pump-action gun and five additional live BB cartridges.

Later that evening, at the Boadua Livingstone checkpoint, officers intercepted a Toyota Hilux pick-up and arrested two men — Enoch Asiedu and Chinese national Lu Youyan — after four live BB cartridges were retrieved from the vehicle.

Preliminary questioning indicated that the ammunition allegedly belonged to their employer, a man identified only as Mohammed, who is also the registered owner of the vehicle. Police say efforts are underway to trace and arrest Mohammed for questioning.

Again on 23 August, at the same Boadua Livingstone Junction checkpoint, police arrested suspect Pieterson Joseph after officers discovered an ADLER TULPAR pump-action gun and 46 AAA and BB cartridges in his vehicle. Joseph admitted to owning the weapon.

In yet another operation later that day, police at the Staff Village Boadua checkpoint stopped a Toyota Tundra with registration number WR 5535-13 travelling from Asamankese towards Boadua.

A search of the vehicle uncovered three pump-action guns, a Pardus, a Hulglu Atroe, and one other make. The driver, Stephen Nkansah, claimed ownership of two of the weapons and said the third belonged to his chief. Nkansah was arrested and remains in custody as investigations continue.

The Eastern South Regional Police Command has reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the Akwatia By-Election.