Ashanti Regional Police Dismantle 6-Member Armed Robbery Syndicate in Greater Kumasi

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has successfully apprehended six individuals suspected of belonging to a notorious armed robbery syndicate operating within the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area. The suspects, whose ages range from 20 to 45, are linked to a series of high-profile street robberies in suburbs including Kaase and Kwadaso Estate. Following their arrest by a combined team from the Anti-Armed Robbery Squad and the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) Special Operations Unit, the suspects were arraigned before the Asokwa Circuit Court, where they were remanded into custody.

Identified members of the group include 23-year-old Philip Nyarko and 20-year-old Hadi Samed. Investigators also apprehended Augustine Agyemang Duah, who is alleged to have served as the syndicate’s technician, specializing in unlocking stolen mobile devices to facilitate their resale on the black market. Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, revealed during a media briefing that several of the suspects were already out on bail for previous criminal offenses at the time of their latest arrest, highlighting a troubling pattern of recidivism within the group.

During the operation, police recovered a significant cache of evidence believed to be the proceeds of crime or tools used in the robberies. These items included three Kawasaki motorbikes, a laptop, and at least 33 mobile phones. Additionally, officers seized lethal weapons, including machetes and knives, which were reportedly used to intimidate victims during street-level attacks. Police records indicate that three members of this group had been previously arrested in December 2025, but they allegedly resumed their criminal activities shortly after their release.

Appearing before the Asokwa Circuit Court on September 1, 2026, the six suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them. The court has scheduled a review of the case for September 14, 2026, while the prosecution continues to build its case. Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Police Command has launched a manhunt for additional accomplices who remain at large. DCOP Akoto Arthur has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide any information that could lead to further arrests, reaffirming the police's commitment to restoring security within the region.