The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has declared that criminals will find “no safe haven” in Ghana, following the dismantling of a dangerous robbery syndicate behind a series of coordinated attacks on banks and financial institutions across the country.
The police operation, described as one of the most complex and decisive in recent years, resulted in the arrest of ten suspects, the killing of three others during shootouts, and an ongoing pursuit of additional fugitives.
Addressing a press briefing in Accra, the IGP reaffirmed the Police Administration’s determination to confront violent crime. “We will continue to pursue you until you are brought to justice. There will be no safe haven for criminals in Ghana,” he said.
Between April and September 2025, the syndicate executed twelve violent bank robberies across six regions, including towns such as Fomena, Takoradi Inchaban, Asokwa, Kukuom, Offinso, Elmina, Winneba, Akim Asene, and Ahafo Kenyasi.
Their operations followed a chilling pattern—security guards held hostage, vaults broken with industrial cutting tools, and police-issued rifles seized during deadly confrontations. One of the recovered AK-47s was traced back to the murder of a police officer in 2024.
Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Donkor, revealed that the gang operated with military-style precision, using pump action guns, AK-47s, and stolen police weapons.
Their raids often ended in violence, including the killing of officers and the overpowering of armed guards.
The police offensive yielded major breakthroughs. The alleged leader, Kwasi Agyei, also known as Cobra, was arrested at Esereso Adagya, where officers retrieved two AK-47 rifles hidden in a pond near his home.
Another key suspect, David Obuobi, alias Wasty, was picked up at Ejisu Achiaakrom, where investigators discovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, and robbery tools.
In separate confrontations, suspects identified as Kwaku Peprah alias X5, Natty Bongo, and Boozin were shot dead after engaging police in gunfire.
In total, the syndicate’s arsenal included fourteen firearms, ninety-six rounds of ammunition, over GH¢18,000 in cash, foreign currencies, and six vehicles. Several getaway cars, including Toyota Hiace, Toyota Voxy, Toyota Corolla, and Opel Astra models, were also seized.
Investigations further revealed the involvement of Kwabena Owusu Ansah, alias Kobby, an ex-convict believed to be the group’s recruiter and chief planner. Although still at large, police say his arrest is imminent. Raids across more than ten towns led to the recovery of stolen items ranging from mobile phones and jewelry to bank surveillance equipment.
One of the most significant discoveries was an AK-47 rifle marked GHGP/ASH/TEPA/TP/B-1523, confirmed as the service weapon of the late G/Cpl. Francis Adu Yaw, who was killed in November 2024.
This finding tied the syndicate to earlier high-profile robberies and reinforced the extent of their operations.
The suspects currently in custody include Akwesi Agyei alias Cobra, Ibrahim Alhassan, Samuel Appiah alias Akwesi Mugu, Francis Acquah alias Preman, David Obuobi alias Wasty, Martin Akansina alias One Billion, Nana Yaw Frimpong alias Mystical, Kojo Atingawo alias Borga, Samuel Akwasi Gyan, and Stephen Sey.
Others remain at large, including Kwabena Owusu Ansah and an individual known only as Albert.
The IGP and CID Director-General praised the Ashanti Regional Police Commander and all personnel involved in the nationwide operation.
They credited timely intelligence and public tip-offs as crucial to the breakthrough and encouraged continued citizen cooperation.
COP Donkor issued a stern message to criminals, warning that the police will stop at nothing to track them down.
The IGP further assured that credible informants will be rewarded as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen police-public collaboration in the fight against crime.
