The Ghana Police Service has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against armed robbery with the arrest of 10 suspects believed to be behind a string of violent attacks on financial institutions, particularly rural banks, across several regions.
The regions affected include Ashanti, Eastern, Central, Western, and Ahafo. According to the Police, three other suspects were killed in an exchange of gunfire during the operation, while a manhunt is underway for others still at large.
The arrested suspects have been named as Akwesi Agyei alias Cobra; Ibrahim Alhassan; Samuel Appiah alias Akwesi Mugu; Francis Acquah alias Preman; David Obuobi alias Wasty; Martin Akansina alias One Billion; Nana Yaw Frimpong alias Mystical; Kojo Atingawo alias Borga; Samuel Akwasi Gyan; and Stephen Sey. Those killed in the operation include Kwaku Peprah alias X5 and one identified only as Boozin. Two others, Kwabena Owusu Ansah and Albert, remain on the run.
The operation also led to the recovery of 14 weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, pistols, large quantities of ammunition, as well as vehicles, motorbikes, and mobile phones believed to have been used in the robberies.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, commended the officers who took part in the operation and expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing credible information that aided the breakthrough.
As part of the recognition, 12 officers involved in the successful operation received promotions. These include three Chief Inspectors granted direct entry to the Police Academy to be commissioned into the senior officer corps, three Inspectors promoted to Chief Inspectors, two Sergeants promoted to Inspectors, one Corporal promoted to Sergeant, and three Constables elevated to the rank of Lance Corporals.
The Police Service has assured the public of its continued commitment to track down the remaining fugitives and sustain efforts to protect lives and property across the country.