The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has dismantled a suspected armed robbery syndicate following two coordinated operations at Krofrom and Mamponteng near Kumasi.

The operations led to the death of a key suspect and the arrest of the alleged gang leader.

The first operation, carried out on March 26, 2026, resulted in the arrest of Munir Ali, also known as Petit, aged 27.

According to the police, the operation was led by the Regional Operations Commander with support from senior officers and other ranks.

On sighting the police, the suspect attempted to flee and opened fire, prompting officers to return fire and injure him. He was subsequently arrested and rushed to Bekwai Municipal Hospital for medical attention; he later succumbed to his injuries.

During preliminary interrogation, ACP Cephas Arthur said Munir Ali reportedly confessed to involvement in a series of robberies across several locations.

He admitted taking part in an attack on commuters along the Obuasi–Dunkwa road on March 10, 2026 at about 11:00 a.m., where he and his accomplices ambushed victims.

He said police intervention during that incident led to the death of two suspects, identified as David Aheto and Illiasu Bawa, while Munir Ali managed to escape.

The suspect further confessed to participating in a broad‑daylight robbery between Manso Mpatasie and Manso Odaho on March 3, 2026, and another robbery at Mankranso on March 7, 2026.

He also linked the gang to robbery activities in Tarkwa in the Western Region and Aflao in the Volta Region.

ACP Cephas Arthur affirmed that a search of the suspect recovered an unmarked pistol, one spent cartridge and two live cartridges.

Before his death, Munir Ali named several accomplices believed to be part of the syndicate, including individuals identified as Dauda, Orlo, Bash, Emma (also known as Abodie), A.T, and the alleged gang leader, Obey.

He further disclosed that the gang leader was in possession of two AK‑47 assault rifles and a pump‑action shotgun. Acting on this intelligence, the police mounted further operations.

A second operation at Mamponteng on March 28, 2026 led to the arrest of the alleged gang leader, Obey, whose real name is Osmanu Razak, aged 28, from Garu.

During interrogation, Osmanu Razak reportedly admitted to participating in several robbery incidents, including the Mankranso robbery on March 7, 2026 and another at Kunsu Wiaso near Mankranso.

He also confirmed his involvement in the Tarkwa robbery but denied any role in the Aflao incident, attributing that operation to the deceased suspect and other accomplices.

He further identified Bash, Emma alias Abodie, and Atta Kakra alias A.T as members of the gang and indicated that the two AK‑47 rifles and the pump‑action gun are currently in the possession of Bash, who remains at large.

Police response and appeal

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has assured the public that efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.

“We are on the heels of the remaining members of the gang, who will soon be arrested and brought to book,” the statement emphasised.

The Command reiterated its firm stance against violent crime, assuring residents that the jurisdiction remains hostile to criminals, particularly armed robbers.

“We have declared war on armed robbery and other violent crimes, and we shall not rest until we achieve our objective,” the statement concluded.

The police have also called on the public to support ongoing operations by volunteering credible information to aid in the arrest of the remaining suspects.