The Ashanti Regional Police Command has announced a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat armed robbery and other violent crimes within the region.
During August 2026, the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit in Kumasi, acting on intelligence, arrested six persons suspected to be members or associates of an organised armed robbery syndicate operating within the Ashanti Region.
The suspects are Philip Nyarko alias “Kawawa”, Hadi Samed alias “Toronto”, Issahaku Musah alias “Isak”, Suraj Mohammed alias “Baba Nde” alias “Trouble”, Hadi Abdul Majeed alias “Panie”, and Foster Owusu Afriyie alias “Joe Fraizer”.
Preliminary investigations have linked the suspects to reported street robbery incidents at Kaase, Ahinsan Estate, Santasi New Site, Bronikrom, Kwadaso Estate and other locations within the Region.
Police investigations have so far led to the recovery of two motorcycles, two machetes, knives, an iPhone 13, five keypad mobile phones, a laptop and thirty-three assorted mobile phones, among other exhibits, suspected to be connected to the criminal activities under investigation.
Further investigations also led to the arrest of Augustine Agyemang Duah, who is suspected of assisting members of the syndicate to unlock mobile phones believed to have been stolen.
The Police noted that Philip Nyarko alias “Kawawa”, Hadi Samed alias “Toronto” and Abdul Shattar were previously arrested on December 6, 2025, for conspiracy to commit crime, namely robbery, and attempted robbery. They were arraigned before the Asokwa Circuit Court 1 and subsequently granted bail. The case remains pending before the court.
Following their release, investigations indicate that some of the suspects allegedly resumed their criminal activities. Abdul Shattar is currently at large.
The Police are intensifying efforts to apprehend Abdul Shattar and other persons suspected to be connected to the syndicate, namely Andy, Umaru, Dauda, Malik and Abdul Farouk.
Members of the public with information on the whereabouts of these persons are urged to contact the Police and are advised not to confront or attempt to apprehend any suspect themselves.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement, identify other persons connected to the syndicate and recover additional stolen property. The arrested suspects will be processed for arraignment before the appropriate court in accordance with the laws of Ghana.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command assured residents of the Region, particularly those within the Kumasi Metropolis, of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led and targeted operations.
The Command also expressed its appreciation to the IGP’s Special Operations Team (SOT) for its continued operational and investigative support.
Persons who may have lost mobile phones or other property during robbery incidents are encouraged to contact the Police to assist in identifying the recovered exhibits.
The statement was signed by Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, Head of the Public Affairs Unit, Ashanti Region.
