Twenty-four suspects have been arrested in a dawn security swoop at Sampa, with guns and ammunition seized.
The joint security operation involving the Bono Regional Police Command, the 3rd Infantry Battalion (3BN) and the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) led to the arrest of the 24 suspects and the retrieval of a large cache of weapons and other items in Sampa Township.
The intelligence-led exercise, carried out in the early hours of March 21, 2026, forms part of renewed efforts by the security agencies to clamp down on the proliferation of illegal arms and criminal activities in the region.
According to a press statement signed by the Bono Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, the operation yielded eight assorted firearms, including five pump action guns, one Baikal gun and two locally manufactured guns. In addition, the security team retrieved 790 rounds of AAA and BB cartridges, one AK-47 ammunition, 21 machetes, four bayonets, six knives and five clubs.
Other items seized include seven pairs of black desert boots, two foreign military jackets, a pouch, eight motorbikes, six keypad phones and 12 smartphones, as well as tools such as pliers and a chisel.
A ripsaw, torchlight and a quantity of talismans were also found during the operation. Notably, an official stamp bearing the inscription “Nana Samgba Gyafla II, President, Sampa Traditional Council” was among the exhibits.
The suspects, whose ages range from 13 to 78 years, are currently in police custody assisting investigations. Two of them were specifically arrested for breaching curfew regulations. The statement indicated that efforts are underway to process the suspects for court.
The Bono Regional Police Command has meanwhile called on the public to support ongoing security operations by volunteering credible information that could lead to the arrest of persons possessing illegal weapons. The Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safety and maintaining law and order across the region.
The suspects are as follows: Losina Ibrahim (21), Siaka Sirachi (20), Nketia Samuel (58), Wuli Kwabena Mensah (54), Daniel Damoah (16), Sie Mayr Alphonses (17), Musah Shakure (13), Akwasi Bio (16), Mensah Kofi Emmanuel (18), Sie Kwadwo Bright (20), Yunus Mohammed (25), Mohammed Watara (54), Abu Karim (15), Sereboma Latif (13), Sampson Kraa Yaw (44), Issifu Karim (22), Amadu Mahama Subo (25), Okra Marcus Akwasi (17), Sie Emmanuel (28), Amid Issah (56), Abu Amadu (56), Takyi Poku (78), Baba Yeboah Adams (44) and Sah Kwaku Ankamah (33).
By Edmond Gyebi
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