The Ghana Police Service has announced a major breakthrough in its nationwide fight against armed robbery, with the arrest of several suspected criminals and the recovery of at least 11 AK-47 assault rifles, ammunition and other weapons.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, disclosed the development at a press briefing at the National Police Headquarters on Monday, September 7, 2026, saying the successes followed weeks of coordinated intelligence-led operations across several regions.
According to the IGP, the operations targeted suspected criminal networks operating in the Western, Northern, Savannah and Greater Accra regions.
Among the major breakthroughs was the arrest of 32-year-old Abraham Awundok in connection with the murder of Dr. Jesse Amuah and his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Amuah Esi, who were reported missing in April 2026.
Police investigations established that Awundok, who worked as an errand boy for the couple, allegedly murdered them before taking their mobile phones, money and vehicle and fleeing the country to the United Arab Emirates.
He was subsequently declared wanted through an INTERPOL Red Notice and deported from Dubai to Ghana on August 30 by investigators from the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit and INTERPOL.
The IGP said the suspect admitted to the murder during interrogation and remains in police custody as investigations continue.
The Police also disclosed the disruption of a suspected robbery syndicate that allegedly targeted bank customers and planned attacks on banks in Accra and Tema.
The group reportedly monitored customers after they withdrew large sums of money, using vehicles with altered registration numbers to track their victims.
Police surveillance linked the suspects to several attacks, including the robbery of a woman of GH¢50,000 at Agbamaame in Tema Community 2 and an armed attack on another victim at Achimota.
On August 13, police intercepted the gang after receiving intelligence that its members had been monitoring banks around Spintex, Labone and Cantonments.
Two suspects were shot dead, one escaped and another, identified as Augustine Okechuku Maazi, 49, was arrested.
A search of a Toyota Highlander used by the gang resulted in the recovery of 13 different vehicle registration numbers and a Blow F90 pistol.
Police said investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly brought vehicles into Ghana and replaced Nigerian number plates with Ghanaian registration plates to facilitate their criminal activities.
The Police also dismantled a robbery gang allegedly operating across Wassa Akropong, Diaso, Dome, Abofour Camp and the Manso enclave.
Five suspects were arrested while another suspect, Seidu Salifu, died during the operation.
Police recovered three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, 357 rounds of ammunition and two vehicles.
The gang is suspected of targeting gold dealers, mining sites and communities.
In a related operation in the Western Region, police arrested four suspects in connection with the robbery and murder of a 40-year-old gold buyer, Seth Kobina, at Agona Fie near Agona Nkwanta.
Two locally manufactured pistols, five live BB cartridges, a metal bar and two cutlasses were recovered.
In the Northern Region, three suspects—Yacouba Oumar, Abdul Alhassan Kudus and Abdul Rahman Haruna alias Saaga—were arrested over a series of armed robberies in Buipe, Tamale and Mion.
Police linked the suspects to a gang allegedly operating with two AK-47 rifles and a pump-action gun.
They are also suspected of involvement in the robbery and murder of a mobile money vendor at Fofulso near the Damango junction earlier this year.
Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest other accomplices and recover the weapons.
The alleged mastermind of the June 29 robbery at the Buipe Cattle Market, Alhaji Imoro Beliko, also known as Alhaji Yacouba, Masaji, Muimen or Yakubu, died during a police operation after allegedly attempting to escape.
The robbery resulted in the loss of GH¢430,000 from two mobile money vendors.
Police have also arrested a suspected gang leader identified as Obotan in connection with the August 18 robbery on the Enyiresi-Sekyere stretch of the Accra-Kumasi highway.
His mother, who allegedly concealed the weapon used in the robbery, was also arrested alongside alleged weapons supplier Issaka Napson, Issaka Majeed and Majeed Huzeifa.
A 14-year-old allegedly used as a lookout was also arrested.
Police recovered a pump-action gun, double-barrel and single-barrel guns, a locally manufactured pistol, ammunition, cutlasses, handcuffs, jack knives, pepper spray, a tactical vest and a motorbike.
In another major operation conducted between June and July, the Police arrested five suspects allegedly involved in trading in firearms.
Eight AK-47 assault rifles, an SMG rifle and two foreign pistols were recovered.
The suspects have since been remanded by the Accra Circuit Court, with the case adjourned to September 8, 2026.
IGP Yohuno commended the police personnel involved in the operations and credited intelligence-led policing and logistical support for the successes.
He also expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and the government for providing armoured vehicles and other logistical support to the Police Service.
The IGP urged the public to continue providing credible information on criminals and suspects at large through the nearest police station or the Police Emergency Line 191.
He assured the public that information provided would be treated confidentially.
“No matter where you run, no matter where you hide, we will come for you,” Mr Yohuno warned criminals, reaffirming the Police Service’s determination to sustain its nationwide crackdown on armed robbery and organised crime.
Three strong headline options
Police Smash Robbery Gangs, Seize 11 AK-47s
Police Crackdown Yields Major Robbery, Weapons Breakthrough
IGP Unveils Major Crackdown On Armed Robbery Syndicates
