Ashanti Region Police recover weapons, ammunition from abandoned vehicle

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has launched investigations into the discovery of weapons and ammunition from an abandoned vehicle along the Apatuogya–Bekwai road.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, August 17, 2025, has raised fresh concerns about the proliferation of illegal arms in the country.

According to a police statement, officers from the Kuntanase District Patrol Team were on routine patrol when they spotted a suspiciously parked Toyota Sienta with registration number NR 289-24 in a bushy area along the roadside. Two men believed to be occupants of the vehicle were seen standing nearby, allegedly smoking a substance suspected to be a narcotic drug. Upon noticing the approaching officers, they bolted into the bush and managed to escape despite efforts by police to pursue them.

A subsequent search of the abandoned car revealed a cache of weapons and other items believed to be linked to criminal activity. The items included an AK-47 assault rifle, a locally manufactured firearm, two AK-47 magazines loaded with 30 rounds each, four packets of AK-47 ammunition containing 25 rounds each, and seven additional loose rounds. Officers also retrieved personal effects such as a Ghana Card, a temporary driver’s license, a Huawei smartphone, Wellington boots, cowrie shells, and a pair of sandals.

Police say the vehicle has been impounded at the Kuntanase Police Station, while all exhibits have been retained to aid ongoing investigations. Authorities are working to trace the identities of the suspects, using the documents found at the scene.

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The Ashanti Regional Police Command emphasized its commitment to combating violent crime and called on the public to provide information that could assist in the arrest of the suspects. “Members of the public with any information that could assist are urged to report to the nearest police station or contact emergency numbers: 191, 18555, or 112,” the release noted.

The police say the discovery underscores the urgent need for public vigilance and cooperation as efforts to curb criminal networks intensify.