Police arrest six suspected goat thieves

The Ghana Police Service in the Central Region has arrested six suspects believed to be part of a livestock theft network after intercepting two vehicles transporting goats near the Assin Besease barrier.

The operation was conducted by officers from the Central North Regional Police Command following intelligence gathered about suspected goat theft activities in the area.

Police said the first group of suspects was travelling in a Mitsubishi Pajero with registration number GR 9864-19 when officers stopped the vehicle during surveillance operations. Four individuals were found in the vehicle together with 15 goats and one sheep.

Shortly afterwards, police intercepted another vehicle, a Toyota Highlander with registration number GR 1623-16, carrying two additional suspects and 11 goats.

In total, investigators recovered 27 goats and one sheep believed to have been stolen from different communities. Police said 14 of the animals were already dead, while 13 were still alive at the time of the interception.

Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects may have used chemical substances to facilitate the theft.

One of the suspects, who identified himself as Taakum, reportedly disclosed to investigators that the group used chemically treated feed to weaken the animals before taking them away.

“The maize is mixed with a chemical which makes the goats weak after eating it, making it easier for them to be captured,” the suspect reportedly told investigators.

According to police, the Mitsubishi Pajero had travelled through several communities, including Breman Asikuma, Kokoso, Amanfopong and Akyim Achiase, before heading towards Assin Brofoyedru.

Officers eventually intercepted the vehicle along the Assin Bankyease road.

Police said the attempt to arrest the suspects in the Pajero vehicle led to a confrontation during which gunshots were exchanged between the suspects and the officers.

The incident resulted in injuries to two of the suspects and one police officer.

All three individuals are currently receiving treatment at St. Francis Xavier Hospital.

Meanwhile, the second group travelling in the Toyota Highlander was arrested after officers observed suspicious activity along the Assin Maso–Ochiso road.

The suspects, together with the two vehicles and the recovered livestock, remain in police custody while investigations continue.

Police say the arrests form part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Police Service to clamp down on livestock theft in parts of the Central Region.

The crime has increasingly become a concern for farmers and residents in several communities who rely on livestock for their livelihoods.