The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has successfully dismantled a suspected armed robbery syndicate following two coordinated operations at Krofrom and Mamponteng near Kumasi.

This has led to the death of a key suspect and the arrest of the alleged gang leader. 

The first operation, carried out on March 26, 2026, resulted in the arrest of Munir Ali, also known as Petit, aged 27, who later died while receiving treatment. 

 According to the police, the operation was led by the Regional Operations Commander with support from senior officers and other ranks.  

Upon seeing the police, the suspect attempted to flee and open fire, prompting officers to return fire and injure him. 

He was subsequently arrested and rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital for medical attention, but later succumbed to his injuries. 

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Cephas Arthur, the Deputy Regional Commander, speaking to the media in an interview, said Ali reportedly confessed to his involvement in a series of robbery incidents across several locations during preliminary interrogation.  

He said he admitted taking part in an attack on commuters along the Obuasi-Dunkwa road on March 10, 2026, at about 1100 hours, where he and his accomplices ambushed victims.  

Police intervention during that incident led to the death of two suspects, identified as David Aheto and Illiasu Bawa, while Munir Ali managed to escape. 

He further confessed to participating in a broad daylight robbery between Manso Mpatasie and Manso Odaho on March 3, 2026, as well as another robbery at Mankranso on March 7, 2026.  

The suspect also linked the gang to robbery activities in Tarkwa, Western Region, and Aflao, Volta Region. 

A search conducted on him led to the retrieval of an unmarked pistol, one spent cartridge, and two live cartridges. 

Before his death, Munir Ali named several accomplices believed to be part of the syndicate, including individuals identified as Dauda, Orlo, Bash, Emma, also known as Abodie, A.T, and the alleged gang leader, Obey.  

He further disclosed that the gang leader was in possession of two AK-47 assault rifles and a pump-action shotgun. 

ACP Arthur also added that a second operation at Mamponteng on March 28, 2026, led to the arrest of the alleged gang leader, Obey, whose real name is Osmanu Razak, aged 28, from Garu. 

During interrogation, Osmanu Razak reportedly admitted to participating in several robbery incidents, including the Mankranso robbery on March 7, 2026, and another at Kunsu Wiaso near Mankranso.  

He also confirmed his involvement in the Tarkwa robbery but denied any role in the Aflao incident, attributing that operation to the deceased suspect and other accomplices. 

He further identified Bash, Emma alias Abodie, and Atta Kakra alias A.T as members of the gang and indicated that the two AK-47 rifles and the pump-action gun are currently in the possession of Bash, who remains at large. 

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, has assured the public that efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining members of the gang. 

“We are on the heels of the remaining members of the gang, who will soon be arrested and brought to book,” the statement emphasised. 

The Command reiterated its firm’s stance against violent crime, assuring residents that the jurisdiction remains hostile to criminals, particularly armed robbers. 

“We have declared war on armed robbery and other violent crimes, and we shall not rest until we achieve our objective,” the statement concluded.