Ghana Police Intensify Security Crackdown: Major Arrests Made in Murder, Robbery, and Drug Cases Nationwide

The Ghana Police Service has recorded several significant breakthroughs in its nationwide crackdown on crime, resulting in multiple arrests for murder, armed robbery, and drug trafficking across various regions. Between March 23 and March 25, 2026, intelligence-led operations led to the apprehension of a suspect in a brutal murder in the Oti Region, the capture of two individuals linked to a high-profile 2025 jewellery heist in Accra, and the detention of dozens of suspects during a large-scale anti-drug sweep in the Northern Region. These developments highlight an intensified effort by law enforcement to address both cold cases and emerging security threats throughout the country.

In the Oti Region, the Kadjebi District Police Command arrested 36-year-old Chalim Madzaton, also known as Peter Tano, following the killing of 80-year-old Dakolor Semaka. The incident, which occurred on March 24, 2026, involved an attack on the elderly woman and her daughter, Yaa Tugbenyo, at their residence in Mangoase. While Tugbenyo managed to escape, she later found her mother dead with visible signs of violence. Madzaton was apprehended in a hideout in Kpaya after a swift intelligence-led operation. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) John Nchor confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody and cooperating with investigations, with the deceased's body sent to St. Mary Theresa Hospital for autopsy.

Simultaneously, the Police have made progress on a significant cold case from 2025. Two suspects, Abubakar Mamoud and Mahmoud Abdul Aziz (alias Justin Martin), were arrested on February 24, 2026, in connection with an armed robbery at a jewellery shop near Nyaho Clinic in Dzorwulu, Accra. The original crime, dating back to September 11, 2025, involved the theft of various valuables and an assault on a shop attendant. During recent searches in Anyaa, police recovered tools used in the robbery, including a hammer, masks, and a toy pistol. Both suspects have reportedly confessed to the crime and identified an accomplice, known as Eddy, who remains at large as the alleged receiver of the stolen goods.

Further north, the Northern Regional Police Command conducted a massive anti-drug operation on March 23, 2026, netting 77 suspects in Tamale and Savelugu. Led by the Police Special Operations Team, the sweep targeted known drug hotspots and led to the seizure of suspected cocaine, Indian hemp, Tramadol, and several vehicles. This heightened police activity comes amid broader community concerns regarding violence, such as the recent unrest in Banka-Busuafise where residents have called for protection against land-guard activities. Chief Inspector Luckman Niendow Alhassan and other police officials have urged the public to continue providing intelligence to help maintain national peace. All apprehended suspects across these various cases are expected to appear in court as investigations continue.