The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested six individuals suspected of belonging to or assisting an organised armed robbery network believed to have been operating across several communities in the region.
The arrests were carried out during August 2026 by the Regional Anti Armed Robbery Unit in Kumasi following intelligence driven operations aimed at disrupting robbery activities and dismantling the suspected criminal network. The Police say preliminary investigations have connected the suspects to a number of reported street robbery incidents recorded at Kaase, Ahinsan Estate, Santasi New Site, Bronikrom, Kwadaso Estate and other locations.
The individuals arrested have been identified as 23 year old Philip Nyarko, also known as Kawawa, 20 year old Hadi Samed, known as Toronto, 23 year old Issahaku Musah, also known as Isak, 27 year old Suraj Mohammed, known as Baba Nde and Trouble, 23 year old Hadi Abdul Majeed, also known as Panie, and 45 year old Foster Owusu Afriyie, known as Joe Fraizer.
According to the Police, the investigation has so far resulted in the recovery of several items believed to be associated with the alleged offences, including two motorcycles, two machetes, knives, an iPhone 13, five keypad mobile phones, a laptop and 33 additional mobile phones.
Investigators reportedly recovered a Kawasaki motorcycle with an engine capacity of about 600cc from the residence of Philip Nyarko. The Police suspect that the motorcycle could have been used in some of the incidents under investigation, although the circumstances surrounding its alleged use remain subject to further investigation.
The investigation subsequently led officers to Augustine Agyemang Duah, a resident of Adum PZ, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting members of the alleged group to unlock mobile phones believed to have been obtained through robbery.
A laptop suspected of being used in the unlocking process was recovered from his residence and has been retained by investigators as an exhibit.
The Police said additional arrests were made on August 24, when Issahaku Musah, Hadi Abdul Majeed and Hadi Samed were apprehended at Atonsu, Aboabo and Asawase respectively.
Searches conducted at the residences of the suspects reportedly resulted in the discovery of knives and machetes which investigators believe could be connected to the robbery incidents being examined.
Foster Owusu Afriyie was also arrested at the Airport Roundabout in Kumasi after investigators allegedly established that he may have been purchasing mobile phones believed to have been stolen from members of the suspected syndicate.
A search of his residence subsequently produced 33 assorted mobile phones believed by investigators to have been taken from robbery victims.
The Police are now working to establish the rightful owners of the recovered devices and determine the circumstances through which they came into the possession of the suspect. Residents who may have lost mobile phones or other property during robbery incidents have consequently been encouraged to contact the Police to assist with the identification process.
The latest operation has also brought renewed attention to the previous encounters some of the suspects have had with law enforcement authorities.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command disclosed that Philip Nyarko, Hadi Samed and another alleged accomplice identified as Abdul Shattar were previously arrested on December 6, 2025, over allegations involving conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted robbery.
They were subsequently brought before the Asokwa Circuit Court One and granted bail, while the case remained before the court. Police investigations now indicate that some of the individuals allegedly returned to criminal activity following their release.
Abdul Shattar is currently at large, while investigators are also pursuing other individuals suspected of having connections with the alleged network. The persons being sought include individuals identified by the Police as Andy, Umaru, Dauda, Malik and Abdul Farouk.
The Police have appealed to members of the public who may possess credible information concerning the whereabouts of the wanted individuals to contact the authorities.
Residents have, however, been cautioned against confronting or attempting to arrest any of the wanted persons themselves, with the Police urging members of the public instead to provide information through the appropriate channels.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command says investigations remain underway to determine the full extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement in the reported robberies, identify additional individuals who may be connected to the suspected network and recover more property believed to have been stolen.
The arrested suspects are expected to be processed for arraignment before the appropriate court in accordance with Ghanaian law. Importantly, the allegations remain subject to judicial determination, and an arrest or suspicion does not by itself establish criminal guilt.
The operation forms part of a wider intelligence led effort by the Ashanti Regional Police Command to confront armed robbery and other violent crimes, particularly within the Kumasi Metropolis and surrounding communities.
The Command has also acknowledged the operational and investigative assistance provided by the Inspector General of Police’s Special Operations Team, saying the cooperation has strengthened efforts to detect criminal activity, apprehend suspects and disrupt organised crime in the region.
For residents who have recently lost mobile phones or other personal belongings during robbery incidents, the recovery of 33 devices could provide an opportunity for some victims to identify and reclaim their property, subject to verification by investigators.
The Police say their immediate priority remains establishing the complete structure of the suspected syndicate, determining the role allegedly played by each person under investigation and ensuring that anyone found culpable is brought before the appropriate court.
