Ashanti South police intercept large cache of ammunition and military gear at Asankare barrier

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has intercepted a large consignment of ammunition and tactical military equipment at the Asankare Police Barrier in a major security operation.

The seizure was made on Tuesday, December 30, during a routine stop-and-search exercise at the strategic checkpoint, where officers halted a Kia Granbird commercial bus with registration number GT 5771-18, which was travelling towards the northern part of the country.

Hidden in plastic paint buckets on board the vehicle, police uncovered a significant cache of illicit items. Addressing the media, Deputy Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, ACP Cephas Arthur, disclosed that the items seized included 2,600 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition, two military-grade bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets and boots.

According to the police, the sheer quantity of ammunition suggests an organised criminal operation, while the presence of protective military gear indicates that the intended users may have been preparing for armed confrontation.

ACP Arthur noted that the interception comes at a critical time, as the country prepares for crossover services and festive activities ahead of the New Year. He assured the public of heightened police presence and security measures on December 31, 2025, urging residents to take personal safety precautions.

He advised Ghanaians to secure their homes properly before attending events and assured that police patrols would be intensified across major highways and residential areas to deter criminal activity.

The development also comes amid growing regional concerns over the movement of small arms and light weapons. The Asankare Barrier, located along the Accra–Kumasi highway, is considered a key checkpoint for intercepting illegal arms trafficking between southern and northern Ghana.

The Regional Police Command has since launched a full investigation to trace the origin of the ammunition and identify its intended recipients. The driver and passengers of the bus are currently assisting with investigations, while police indicate that further arrests may follow as efforts continue to dismantle the network behind the consignment.

As Ghanaians prepare to usher in the New Year, the police have advised the public to reinforce doors and windows before leaving home, inform trusted neighbours when travelling, and promptly report suspicious activity by calling emergency numbers 191 or 112.