The Ghana Police Service has announced that it has foiled the activities of a suspected armed robbery gang believed to have been operating along the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway in the Ashanti Region, following intelligence-led operations carried out on March 10 and 11, 2026. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the police to clamp down on highway robbery and violent crime in the region.
According to a statement released by the police, officers acted on intelligence about the movements of the suspected gang and mounted a special operation to track them down. The suspects were reportedly located at a bush near Obuasi, where police confronted them. The situation escalated into an exchange of gunfire between the suspects and the security personnel.
Police confirmed that two of the suspects were shot during the confrontation. They were later identified as David Aheto, aged 42, and Illiasu Bawa, aged 32. Both men were pronounced dead after the incident. Officers at the scene retrieved several weapons and ammunition believed to have been used by the suspects in their robbery operations along the highway.
The police explained that the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway has recently recorded a number of robbery incidents, which prompted increased surveillance and intelligence gathering in the area. The latest operation, according to the police, was carefully planned to prevent further attacks on motorists and residents who use the road.
Following the initial confrontation, the police carried out additional operations in other locations as part of efforts to dismantle the entire robbery network. These subsequent operations led to the arrest of four more suspects in Kumasi. During the arrests, officers also recovered additional firearms and ammunition believed to be connected to the activities of the gang.
The police say the suspects currently in custody are assisting with investigations, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the group who are believed to be on the run. Authorities have assured the public that all those involved will be arrested and made to face the full rigours of the law.
Residents and road users in the Ashanti Region have welcomed the police operation, describing it as a timely intervention to address the growing fear of armed robbery attacks on highways. Some drivers who frequently travel along the Obuasi–Dunkwa stretch say the road had become dangerous in recent months, especially at night, due to the activities of criminals.
Security experts have also commended the police for relying on intelligence-led operations, noting that such strategies help reduce risks to innocent civilians while increasing the chances of successfully apprehending suspects. They stressed that continued collaboration between the public and the police is necessary to maintain safety on major roads across the country.
The Ghana Police Service has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. The Service also assured citizens that it remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to carry out operations to deal with criminal groups operating in different parts of the country.
Investigations into the case are still ongoing as police work to identify and arrest all individuals connected to the robbery gang. Authorities say further updates will be provided as new developments emerge.