The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has disrupted an armed robbery syndicate operating along the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway following a series of intelligence-led operations conducted on March 10 and 11, 2026.

The police operation led to an exchange of gunfire during which two suspects sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Several weapons and ammunition were also retrieved, while many suspects have since been arrested as investigations continue.

The operation further exposed what police describe as a wider illegal arms supply network operating within the Asawase area in the Ashanti Region.

According to the Police Command, officers acted on credible intelligence on March 10 that a group of armed men had gathered in a bush near the Obuasi–Dunkwa stretch and were preparing to carry out a robbery. A police team was immediately dispatched to the area to intercept the suspects.

Upon arrival at the location, officers reportedly spotted about four armed men. Police say the suspects opened fire upon seeing the officers and attempted to escape into the bush.

Officers returned fire, leading to two of the suspects sustaining gunshot injuries, while the other two fled the scene, believed to have also been injured.

Police recovered several weapons and ammunition from the scene, including an AK-47 assault rifle with serial number 68104599 loaded with 28 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, a pump-action shotgun loaded with five live BB cartridges, eight additional rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, and one spent BB cartridge. In total, 36 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition were retrieved.

The injured suspects were later identified as David Aheto, aged 42, a native of Sogakope who resided in Asin Fosu, and Illiasu Bawa, aged 32, from Banda Nkwanta in the Savanna Region. Both were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival.

Police investigations indicate that the two suspects were linked to several armed robbery incidents across Obuasi, Dunkwa, Wasa Akropong and Asin Fosu.

Further intelligence gathered by the police identified one Samuel Agyei, also known as Africa, and other individuals currently on remand at Wasa Akropong as members of the same gang.

Investigators also allege that a suspect identified as Alhaji Abdalah of Asawase in Kumasi sold the recovered AK-47 rifle to the gang for GH¢45,000. Police further claim he supplied a G3 rifle and a pistol to Samuel Agyei.

A follow-up operation on March 11 led to the arrest of another suspect, Aminu Iddrisu, also known as 0244. Police say he subsequently led officers to the recovery of another AK-47 rifle and a Bruni pistol, which had been hidden in a sack inside a sheep pen at Moshie Zongo in Kumasi.

Acting on additional intelligence, officers also arrested 24-year-old Daniel Debrah. A search conducted in connection with his arrest led to the retrieval of an unregistered red Toyota Corolla saloon car suspected to be part of the proceeds from robberies allegedly carried out by the deceased suspect David Aheto.

Police say suspects Abdalah Alhassan, Jemini Usman, also known as Babamu, Aminu Iddrisu, also known as 0244, and Daniel Debrah are currently in custody assisting with investigations.

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command indicated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend another suspect identified as Mallam Aminu and other members of the gang believed to be on the run. Police also say they are working to retrieve any remaining firearms linked to the group.

The Command has reaffirmed its commitment to combating armed robbery and illegal arms trafficking, warning that individuals involved in such criminal activities will be pursued and brought to justice.