The Western Regional Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with the robbery and murder of a 40-year-old gold buyer at Agona Fie near Agona Nkwanta in the Western Region.

The deceased, identified as Seth Kobina, was shot in the chest during an attack on his gold buying shop on Thursday, August 20.

According to the police, the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. when armed men attacked the shop and shot Mr Kobina.

He was rushed to the Agona Nkwanta Hospital for medical attention but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Preliminary investigations, including a review of CCTV footage, have since led to the identification of one of the suspects, Emmanuel Amponsah, alias “Vandam”, 29, as the alleged leader of the gang.

Police said Amponsah was arrested on Friday, August 21, at a guest house in Agona Nkwanta.

A search conducted on him led to the recovery of a locally manufactured pistol and two live BB cartridges, according to the police.

However, after his arrest, Amponsah reportedly became ill and was taken to the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital for medical attention.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

The circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately provided by the police.

Further investigations into the robbery and murder led to the arrest of three more suspects within the Agona Nkwanta area.

They have been identified as Christopher Seyiri, alias “Cross and Die”, 47; Bashiru Ibrahim, 20; and Thomas Odoom, alias “Wale”, 30.

A fifth suspect, Isaac Quayeson, alias “Last Burial”, was arrested at Denkyira Kwaboso in the Western North Region.

Police said a search of Quayeson's residence resulted in the recovery of a locally manufactured pistol, three live BB cartridges, a metal bar and two cutlasses.

During investigations, the police said Quayeson identified Amponsah as the person who allegedly shot and killed Seth Kobina.

Quayeson also identified Thomas Odoom as one of the suspects captured in the CCTV footage during the robbery, according to the police.

The four surviving suspects are currently assisting the police with investigations.

The Western Regional Police Command said efforts are continuing to arrest other persons believed to have been involved in the robbery and murder.