The Central East Regional Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with a complex and well-coordinated vehicle theft involving an unregistered Hyundai Elantra, 2021 model, belonging to a businessman at Kakraba, Kasoa, in the Central Region.
The suspects have been identified as Douglas Kwame Akunnor, a steel bender; Emmanuel Aduah, a trader; and Richard Baidoo, an entrepreneur.
In a statement signed by DSP Victor Kofi Dosoo, Head of Public Affairs, Central East Region, the Police said the incident was reported on 24th November, 2025, after the complainant advertised the vehicle for sale at Kakraba Junction.
According to the statement, a suspect identified as Albert Akwasi Ofori, currently at large, contacted the complainant under the pretext of inspecting and purchasing the vehicle.
Although Albert Akwasi Ofori failed to appear in person, he allegedly sent Douglas Kwame Akunnor and Emmanuel Aduah to conclude the transaction on his behalf.
The two suspects reportedly presented a signed cheque with a face value of GH¢210,000.00 to the complainant as payment for the vehicle, acting on the instructions of Albert Akwasi Ofori. After the complainant’s account was initially credited with the amount, he released the vehicle to the suspects.
However, shortly after the transaction, the complainant realised that his account had been debited with the same amount, raising suspicion that he had been defrauded. When he contacted the suspects by phone, they allegedly confirmed having withdrawn the money before switching off their mobile phones.
Following a formal complaint, the Police commenced intensive investigations, which led to the arrest of Emmanuel Aduah on 2nd January, 2026, while he was attempting to unlock his SIM card at a location in the Western Region.
Further interrogations subsequently led to the arrest of Douglas Kwame Akunnor, who reportedly admitted his involvement in the theft and even demonstrated the group’s modus operandi to investigators.
Although the suspects initially failed to lead Police to the stolen vehicle, intelligence-led operations resulted in the retrieval of the car at Nsakina. Police discovered that the vehicle had been resprayed from its original red colour to black, and a fake registration number plate GX 3856-21 had been fixed to it.
Police also arrested Richard Baidoo, in whose possession the vehicle was found at the time of retrieval.
All three suspects were arraigned before the Ofaakor Circuit Court on 6th January, 2026, and were remanded into custody to reappear on 28th January, 2026.
Meanwhile, Police say efforts are underway to arrest Albert Akwasi Ofori, believed to be the mastermind behind the crime, to face justice.
The Central East Regional Police Command has assured the general public of its commitment to ensuring that all accomplices involved in the case, regardless of how complex the crime may be, will be arrested and prosecuted to the full rigours of the law.
