How police busted armed robbery gang targeting gold dealers in Ashanti, Western regions

The Ghana Police Service has broken up an armed robbery gang accused of attacking gold dealers' shops, mining sites and communities in parts of the Ashanti and Western regions. The gang was dismantled through a series of intelligence-led operations conducted between August and September 4, 2026, leading to the arrest of five suspects, the death of another and the recovery of 3 AK-47 assault rifles and 357 rounds of ammunition. Police also retrieved 5 magazines and 2 vehicles during the operations, which targeted the gang's activities in Wassa Akropong, Diaso, Dome, Abofour Camp and the Manso enclave. The suspects arrested have been identified as Clinton Mawuli, 33; Richmond Mensah, alias Master Abey; Daniel Sarfo, alias Abedi; Prince Duker; and another suspect whose identity was not disclosed. Another suspect, 40-year-old Seidu Salifu, who was allegedly linked to previous robbery incidents at Sakam near Offinso, died during the operation. According to the police, Salifu was standing trial before the Nsuta Circuit Court over the robbery of gold bullion at Offinso Abofour in July 2025. Meanwhile, the Western Regional Police Command arrested 5 suspects on August 21, 2026, in connection with the robbery and murder of a 40-year-old gold buyer, Seth Kobina, at Agona Fie near Agona Nkwanta in the Western Region. Investigations into the incident led police to identify Amponsah, Christopher Seyiri, alias 'Cross and Die', 47; Bashiru Ibrahim, 20; and Thomas Odoom, alias 'Wale', 30, as suspects. A fourth suspect, Isaac Quayeson, alias 'Last Burial', was subsequently arrested at Denkyira Kwaboso in the Western North Region. The police said 2 locally manufactured pistols, 5 live BB cartridges, a metal bar and 2 cutlasses were recovered from the suspects. The Ghana Police Service has since deployed special teams to the affected communities to strengthen security and prevent further attacks. The deployment is expected to provide reassurance to residents, traders and other community members and allow them to carry out their daily activities without fear as investigations into the various incidents continue.