Police arrest eight suspected highway robbers, one dead at Mampong 

The Ghana Police Service has successfully dismantled a suspected highway robbery gang in the Ashanti North Region, arresting eight individuals believed to be responsible for a recent armed attack on commuters.

One of the suspects, however, died during the operation after attempting to resist arrest.

The Ashanti North Regional Police Command in Mampong confirmed in a statement on March 31 that the arrests were made following intelligence gathered on the activities of the group. The operation was conducted in collaboration with personnel from the Police Surveillance Unit at the national headquarters in Accra.

The suspects are allegedly linked to a robbery incident on March 26 at the Aframso Bridge along the Mampong–Ejura highway. Police reported that six armed men intercepted a SsangYong minibus driven by Appiah Joseph, carrying 14 passengers from Kumasi to Atebubu. During the attack, the assailants reportedly stole cash and mobile phones from commuters, prompting an urgent police investigation.

Following the incident, a special operations team tracked the suspects to the Amakwa Dadey Hotel in Ejura on March 30. Officers found the group allegedly dividing the stolen money, leading to their immediate arrest. The suspects have been identified as Amidu Sajo (42), Ibrahim Sule (36), Karim Hadu (40), Malik Jibrilla (38), Yusifa Asakoko (23), Umaru Issifu (20), Damani Yamba (36), and Ibrahim Iddrisu, alias “Bule” (43).

During the operation, Ibrahim Iddrisu, who was on the Police wanted list for a similar robbery in 2023 and by the Atebubu Police Command, resisted arrest. He reportedly attacked an officer with a cutlass and attempted to seize the officer’s firearm. The police responded with gunfire, injuring him in the left leg and arm. He was taken to the Mampong Government Hospital and later referred to the Jamasi Pope John Paul Hospital, but he was pronounced dead while receiving medical attention.

Items recovered from the suspects include two live AK-47 rounds, three cutlasses, GHC 15,717 in cash, a talisman, an ID card, eight mobile phones, and a side bag. Police say efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend any additional accomplices linked to the crime.

The Ghana Police Service has reassured the public of its commitment to curbing highway robbery and ensuring the safety of road users across the country. They urged commuters to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.