The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested six persons suspected to be members and associates of an organised armed robbery syndicate operating in parts of the region.
The arrests were made in August 2026 by the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit in Kumasi following intelligence-led operations targeting suspected robbery networks.
The suspects have been identified as 23-year-old Philip Nyarko, alias “Kawawa”; 20-year-old Hadi Samed, alias “Toronto”; 23-year-old Issahaku Musah, alias “Isak”; 27-year-old Suraj Mohammed, alias “Baba Nde” and “Trouble”; 23-year-old Hadi Abdul Majeed, alias “Panie”; and 45-year-old Foster Owusu Afriyie, alias “Joe Fraizer.”
According to the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, COP Osei Authur, preliminary investigations have linked some of the suspects to a number of reported street robbery incidents at Kaase, Ahinsan Estate, Santasi New Site, Bronikrom, Kwadaso Estate and other parts of the region.
The Police said a Kawasaki motorcycle was recovered from the residence of Nyarko and is suspected to have been used in some of the criminal activities under investigation.
Investigators also recovered two machetes, an iPhone 13 and five keypad mobile phones suspected to belong to robbery victims.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Augustine Agyemang Duah, a resident of Adum P.Z., who the Police suspect assisted members of the alleged syndicate to unlock mobile phones believed to have been stolen.
A laptop suspected to have been used in the operation was recovered from his residence and retained as an exhibit.
More arrests and recoveries
On August 24, 2026, the Police arrested Musah, Majeed and Samed at Atonsu, Aboabo and Asawase respectively.
Searches conducted at their residences resulted in the recovery of knives and machetes suspected to be connected to the reported robbery incidents.
The Police also arrested Fatawo Alhassan, alias “2Pac,” and Foster Owusu Afriyie at the Airport Roundabout in Kumasi.
The two are suspected of purchasing stolen mobile phones from members of the alleged syndicate.
A search of Afriyie’s residence resulted in the recovery of 33 assorted mobile phones believed to be the property of robbery victims.
The Police said efforts were underway to identify the rightful owners of the phones and establish how they came into the possession of the suspects.
Suraj Mohammed, whom the Police described as an alleged accomplice and leading member of the suspected syndicate, was also arrested at Asawase.
Two motorcycles were recovered from his residence and are suspected to have been used in some of the criminal activities under investigation.
Some suspects previously arrested
The Police said Nyarko, Samed and another suspect, Abdul Shattar, had previously been arrested on December 6, 2025, over alleged conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted robbery.
They were arraigned before the Asokwa Circuit Court 1, where the case remains pending, and were subsequently granted bail.
According to the Police, investigations suggest that some of the suspects allegedly resumed criminal activities after their release.
Abdul Shattar is currently at large, with the Police continuing efforts to locate and arrest him.
Police declare six persons wanted
The Command is also pursuing six other persons suspected to have links to the alleged robbery syndicate.
They have been identified as Andy, Umaru, Dauda, Malik, Abdul Shattar and Abdul Farouk.
The Police have appealed to the public to provide credible information that could assist in locating the wanted persons.
Residents have, however, been cautioned not to confront or attempt to apprehend any suspect, but instead to report information to the Police.
Investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement, identify other persons who may be connected to the network and recover additional stolen property.
The arrested suspects are expected to be processed for arraignment before the appropriate court.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command says its objective is to dismantle the suspected criminal network, recover stolen property and prevent further attacks on residents across the region.
It has also urged residents, particularly persons who may have lost mobile phones or other valuables during robbery incidents, to contact the Police if they recognise any of the recovered exhibits.
The Command commended the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team (SOT) for its operational and investigative support, saying the collaboration has strengthened intelligence-led operations and contributed to the detection of crime and arrest of suspects.
The Police have assured residents of the Ashanti Region, particularly those in the Kumasi Metropolis, of their continued commitment to protecting lives and property.
Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, vehicles, motorcycles and activities to the Police.
