Three suspected armed robbers on the wanted list of the police in connection with a series of robbery attacks and killings in parts of the Ashanti Region over the years have been shot dead in a gun battle with the police at Poano, near Knawel.
The deceased, identified as Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, alias Forsher, 56; Emmanuel Boamah Gyebi, alias Begee, 38 and Felix Topman, alias Rasta, 29 have since been deposited at the Bekwai Municipal Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
The three suspects were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital, but they were pronounced dead by the medical officer on arrival.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command disclosed that upon intelligence Forsher and his gang were traced to Dousarp Hotel at Atwima Mim, near Knawel, on Tuesday September 22, 2026 at about 2 pm while preparing to commit another robbery.
During interrogation, the police said Forsher allegedly admitted involvement in several robbery incidents and killings and reportedly confessed to involvement in the killing of the Chief of Atwima Mim, who was allegedly killed in a bathroom some years ago, as well as the killing of the Chief of Atwima Koforidua.
According to the police, Forsher further admitted shooting DCOP/Rev./Dr./Nana Samuel Adane Ameyaw Nyamekye (Rtd) in the leg.
He also allegedly admitted involvement in the Mankranso robbery on August 7, 2026 at about 2:25 am and several roadblock robberies at Nkawie and surrounding areas.
The police said Forsher implicated Begee and Rasta as his accomplices.
A search conducted following their arrest led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, 12 rounds of BB cartridges and eight rounds of .32 Auto ammunition.
The suspects allegedly disclosed to the police that they were preparing to attack road users on the Anwiankwanta–Antoakrom Road that fateful night.
They also reportedly revealed that additional weapons had been concealed underground in a bush at Poano for use in the planned attack.
At about 7pm, the police team proceeded to the location with the suspects to retrieve the concealed weapons.
However, unidentified persons allegedly opened fire on the police from within the bush during search following which the three suspects also reportedly attempted to escape, forcing the police to return fire in self-defence.
All three suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange. Chief Inspector Joseph Kwakye also sustained a minor injury and is receiving medical treatment.
The police said other suspected gunmen, believed to have sustained gunshot wounds, managed to escape into the bush.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one unmarked AK-47 assault rifle loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition.
The police also recovered two unmarked pump-action guns and 24 rounds of BB cartridges, concealed in a sack and hidden under a palm tree.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing, while efforts are being made to apprehend the suspected gunmen who escaped into the bush.
From Oswald P. Freiku, Bekwai
