The Bono Regional Police Command has achieved a significant breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery following a series of intelligence-led operations that led to the arrest of multiple suspects believed to be involved in several violent crimes across the region.
The arrests, which took place over several days, targeted two major criminal syndicates operating within Berekum, Drobo, Nkaseim and surrounding areas. The suspects apprehended include ex-convicts and known gang members: Johnson Amponsah Kwame Diawuo, 47; Shadrach Owusu alias Shark, 25; Kwafo Samuel, 30; Latif Mustapha alias Star Boy, 28; Mosby Owusu, 20; Kofi Iddrisa, 45; and Baba Kumi Foster, 35.
Attempted Robbery Foiled
Police investigations revealed that on 18th November 2025, five members of one of the gangs attempted a robbery on the Berekum-Drobo Road. A swift response from the Police Patrol Team thwarted the attack. Further interrogations linked the attempted robbery to a gang led by Johnson Amponsah Kwame Diawuo, with suspects Kwafo Samuel and Shadrach Owusu confessing their involvement. They also admitted to participating in several other robberies, especially in the Nkaseim area of the Ahafo Region.
An intelligence-led operation later led to the arrest of Johnson Diawuo at his hideout in Nyamennae, Berekum, where police retrieved quantities of Indian hemp, two motorcycle helmets, and two machetes.
Second Gang Busted
In a separate operation aimed at dismantling another criminal network, the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) arrested suspects Latif Mustapha (Star Boy) and Mosby Owusu at Domfete, a Berekum suburb. Star Boy attempted to evade arrest by hiding in his ceiling but was eventually captured.
A search of Star Boy’s room uncovered an alarming cache of items, including:
- Full military camouflage uniform and jacket
- A toy Glock gun
- Two live and three spent foam bullets
- A taser
- Pair of military boots
- Pepper spray, knives, talismans, and “war regalia”
- Two laptops
- Toffees suspected to be laced with Indian hemp
Further investigations also revealed that Mosby Owusu possessed a Hungarian-made Parabellum Model R-9 pistol loaded with two rounds of 9mm ammunition. He stated that the weapon was originally owned by Star Boy, who sold it to him for GHS 9,000.
Break in Stolen Motorcycle Syndicate
Police also arrested Kofi Iddrisa and Baba Kumi Foster at Ewiakrom near Nkrankwanta for allegedly receiving stolen motorcycles and tricycles and facilitating their transportation to Côte d’Ivoire. Three motorcycles and one tricycle were recovered.
Court Proceedings
On 2nd December 2025, suspects Johnson Amponsah Kwame Diawuo, Shadrach Owusu, and Kwafo Samuel appeared before the Fiapre Circuit Court on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted robbery. They were remanded to reappear on 22nd December 2025.
That same day, suspects Latif Mustapha and Mosby Owusu were arraigned before the Sunyani District Court B on charges including unlawful possession and trafficking of firearms and possession of military accoutrements. They were also remanded, scheduled to reappear on 15th December 2025.
However, suspects Kofi Iddrisa and Baba Kumi Foster, who are being investigated for dishonestly receiving stolen items, were granted police enquiry bail pending further investigation.
Police Assures Public of Continued Action
The Bono Regional Police Command, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Joshua Coppson, has assured the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining accomplices and recover more illicit weapons. The Command also appealed to the public for credible information to aid in combating criminal activities across the region.
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