Four arrested as Police dismantle deadly Kumasi car theft syndicate

The Ghana Police Service has dismantled a suspected carjacking syndicate operating in Kumasi and parts of Tarkwa, arresting four suspects and recovering a number of stolen vehicles.

The breakthrough follows the fatal shooting of Mr Andrews Amankwaa during a robbery at Ohwim Amanfrom on February 10, 2026. His Toyota Hilux, with registration number GN 6647-25, was taken during the attack. He later died at hospital while receiving treatment.

Addressing a press briefing at the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters on Monday, February 23, 2026, the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, said four suspects linked to the group, known locally as the Duku gang, had been apprehended.

He disclosed that one of the suspects, Eric Antwi Duku, sustained gunshot wounds during the police operation and subsequently died. According to the IGP, the group specialised in targeting Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser vehicles and resorted to violence when victims resisted.

Investigations have further revealed that the network had operational links stretching to Tarkwa and Offinso, as well as contacts in Dubai, where associates allegedly assisted in preparing forged vehicle documentation.

Police said the first arrest was made on February 18, 2026, when Akwesi Manu was found in possession of the deceased victim’s mobile phone. Bashiru Tanko was subsequently arrested at Atonsu in Kumasi on February 19.

Follow-up operations led to the arrest of Kwadwo Amponsah near Buokrom on February 21 and Emmanuel Kwame Appiah at Danyame on February 22. Yohuno identified Appiah as the getaway driver in the Ohwim Amanfrom robbery.

Items retrieved from the suspects include a Bruni Mod 84 pistol, live ammunition, a vehicle tracking device and several stolen vehicles. The police indicated that the exhibits are undergoing forensic and ballistic examination.

Preliminary findings suggest that the group conducted surveillance on potential victims and frequently targeted black and ash-coloured vehicles. The stolen vehicles were reportedly transported through the northern border corridor and, in some instances, shipped abroad.

The police have linked the syndicate to a series of robberies in Tarkwa, Kumasi and other parts of the Ashanti Region, some of which resulted in fatalities.

Mr Yohuno commended the Ashanti Regional Commander, the Regional Intelligence Team, the Anti-Robbery Unit, the Cyber Vetting Team and members of the public who provided information that aided the operation. He also acknowledged the logistical support received during the investigation.

“Criminal elements who threaten public safety will be pursued relentlessly,” he said. “We will leave no stone unturned to bring them to justice. We call on residents to continue reporting suspicious activity and credible information to the police.”

The suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be arraigned before the courts, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to the group’s activities.