The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested five suspects in two separate operations linked to a robbery-murder and a series of street robberies across parts of Kumasi and its environs.

Addressing the media at the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters, the Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, said the arrests were the result of intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing violent crime in the region.

According to police, two of the suspects were picked up in connection with the robbery and murder of 28-year-old Silver Ngozi, which occurred on December 6, 2025, at about 5:00 p.m. at Asokore Mampong.

The suspects, identified as Farouk Iddris, a 20-year-old motorbike mechanic, and Salim Mohammed, 19, a motorbike mechanic and rickshaw rider, were arrested on December 12 at a hideout in Aboabo, Kumasi, by a joint team from the Regional Headquarters and the Anti-Robbery Unit.

DCOP Osei Akoto said investigations revealed that the suspects robbed the victim, during which one of them allegedly stabbed her with a knife, leading to her death. “A search conducted in Farouk Iddris’ room led to the retrieval of a machete, knives and other offensive weapons,” he disclosed.

Police said both suspects admitted to the robbery during interrogation, while Salim Mohammed, who was the pillion rider on the day of the incident, identified a zigzag-edged knife as the weapon used in stabbing the deceased. The knife, an iPhone 11 Pro belonging to the victim and other items have been retrieved as exhibits.

In a separate operation, police also arrested three suspects linked to a string of street robberies in Asokore Mampong, KNUST, Kenyasi, Bosore, Duase, Antoa, Mayanka, Ayeduase and surrounding communities.

The suspects were named as Abdul Fatawu, also known as “UN”, 22; Philip Nyarko, alias “Kawawa”, 24; and Samak Hadi, alias “Toronto”, 21. Items recovered from their hideout at Aboabo include 59 iPhones, six Android phones, four tablets and five laptops.

DCOP Osei Akoto said all the suspects have confessed to the crimes in their caution statements and are currently in police custody, assisting investigations.

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has appealed to members of the public who may have fallen victim to robberies in the affected areas to report to the nearest police station to support ongoing investigations.

All the suspects are expected to be arraigned before the court in due course.

The Ghana Police Service has assured residents of its continued commitment to maintaining peace, law and order in the Ashanti Region, while urging the public to support the police with timely and credible information to help combat crime.