The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has vowed to make life “uncomfortable” for criminals in Ghana, following the successful dismantling of a violent robbery syndicate responsible for a string of coordinated attacks on financial institutions across the country.
In what authorities have described as one of the most complex and successful police operations in recent years, a special task force arrested 10 suspects, killed three others in a gun battle and placed three more fugitives on its radar.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, the IGP reaffirmed the Police Administration’s unwavering commitment to rooting out criminal networks.
“We will continue to pursue you until you are brought to justice. There will be no safe haven for criminals in Ghana,” he stated.
Details
Between April and September 2025, the gang orchestrated 12 violent bank robberies across six regions, targeting rural banks and credit unions in towns such as; Fomena, Takoradi Inchaban, Asokwa, Kukuom, Offinso, Elmina, Winneba, Akim Asene and Ahafo Kenyasi.
Their operations followed a chilling pattern: security guards were held hostage, police weapons snatched, vaults broken open using industrial cutting tools and large sums of money looted.
At least three AK-47 rifles, later recovered, were confirmed to be police-issued weapons stolen during previous robberies, including one taken from a slain officer in 2024.
Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Donkor, provided detailed updates said “The syndicate, armed with pump action guns and AK-47s, carried out coordinated attacks with precision.
“Their violence extended to murdering a police officer, overpowering armed guards and seizing weapons during their raids.”
Key Arrests and Shootouts
The multi-regional police operation led to significant breakthroughs: Kwasi Agyei, alias Cobra, believed to be the gang leader, was arrested at Esereso Adagya.
Two stolen AK-47 rifles buried in a pond behind his house were retrieved.
David Obuobi, alias Wasty, was arrested at Ejisu Achiaakrom. His room contained 7 pump action guns, 4 pistols, over 130 rounds of ammunition and robbery tools.
Kwaku Peprah, alias X5 and two other suspects – Natty Bongo and Boozin – were fatally shot during armed confrontations with police in separate locations.
The gang’s weapons cache included 14 firearms, 96 rounds of AAA ammunition and over GH¢18,000 in cash, plus foreign currencies and six vehicles.
Police have also impounded several getaway vehicles, including Toyota Hiace, Toyota Voxy, Toyota Corolla and Opel Astra cars used in their operations.
Banks Targeted by the Gang
- Adansi Rural Bank – Fomena (April 10, 2025)
- Lower Pra Rural Bank – Inchaban (April 24, 2025)
- Asokore Rural Bank – Kumasi (May 18, 2025)
- Ahafo Kukuom Rural Bank – Kukuom (May 30, 2025)
- Nnwabiagya Rural Bank – Offinso (July 10, 2025)
- Bosomtwi Rural Bank – Suntreso (July 18, 2025)
- Kakum Rural Bank – Elmina (August 4, 2025)
- MRB Bank – Winneba (August 15, 2025)
- South Birim Rural Bank – Akim Asene (August 16, 2025)
- Ecobank – Ahafo Kenyasi (September 8, 2025)
- St. Martin De Pores Credit Union – Atonsu Monaco (September 14, 2025)
- Wenchi NIB Bank (August 25, 2025)
These coordinated attacks sparked nationwide concern and led the Ghana Police to commit major intelligence resources to dismantle the group.
How the Operation Unfolded
The police revealed that the operation spanned nearly a year and was the result of meticulous planning, data analysis and collaboration with informants across regions including Ashanti, Ahafo, Western, Central and Eastern.
The turning point came with the identification of one Kwabena Owusu Ansah, alias Kobby, an ex-convict believed to be the syndicate’s recruiter and operations planner.
His arrest remains outstanding, but police say they are closing in on him. In total, the police conducted coordinated raids in over 10 towns recovering not only weapons but stolen items, including mobile phones, jewelry and bank surveillance equipment.
Recovered Police Weapon Linked to Fallen Officer
One of the most significant recoveries was an AK-47 rifle marked GHGP/ASH/TEPA/TP/B-1523, a service weapon taken from the late G/Cpl. Francis Adu Yaw, who was murdered in November 2024. This link further confirms the group’s involvement in previous high-profile attacks.
Suspects in Custody and At Large
So far, 10 members of the syndicate have been arrested and are in police custody, three (3) other suspects were shot dead following an exchange of fire with the police during the operation, and efforts are ongoing to get the remaining suspects arrested.
The suspects are: 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; Stephen Sey; Kwaku Peprah alias X5 (deceased); Boozin (deceased); Kwabena Owusu Ansah (at large) and Albert (at large).
All suspects in custody are expected to be arraigned before court in the coming days.
Heartfelt Commendations
The IGP and the Director-General of CID both extended heartfelt commendations to the Ashanti Regional Police Commander and all personnel involved in the operation.
They also acknowledged the vital role of credible public tip-offs, encouraging continued public cooperation.
COP Lydia Donkor concluded with a stern warning to criminals: “To the criminals out there, always remember – you may run and hide, but we will get you. We are coming for you.”
Furthermore, the Ghana Police Service is urging citizens to remain alert, report suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure safety and security across the nation.
The IGP also assured that credible informants will continue to be rewarded, reinforcing the role of public collaboration in crime-fighting.
