Four Key Members Of Carjacking Syndicate Arrested In Ashanti Region

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested four key members of a suspected carjacking syndicate linked to the robbery and murder of Mr. Andrews Amankwah at Ohwim-Amanfrom in Kumasi on 10 February 2026.

The arrests followed a directive by the Inspector-General of Police for a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, and the CID Anti-Armed Robbery Unit.

Between 18 and 22 February 2026, the suspects were picked up in separate operations across Kumasi. They have been identified as:

Akwasi Manu (47) – arrested for unlawful possession of the deceased victim’s Samsung mobile phone, a development that provided a major breakthrough in the investigation.
Bashiru Tanko alias “TK” (33) – arrested at Atonsu, Kumasi, and allegedly linked to previous car-snatching incidents.
Kojo Amponsah alias “Kamakazi” (35) – arrested at Wireso near Boankra; reportedly provided intelligence connecting the group to multiple violent robberies.
Emmanuel Kwame Appiah alias “Taller” (38) – arrested at Danyame, Kumasi; identified by investigators as the driver during the fatal robbery.

Police disclosed that the alleged leader of the group, Eric Antwi Duku (42), sustained gunshot wounds during a police operation on 22 February 2026 and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Items retrieved during the operations include a Bruni Mod 84 pistol loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition, a tracking detection device, forged vehicle documents, and a Toyota Corolla S, which has since been impounded.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the syndicate specialised in stealing Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser vehicles after conducting surveillance on their victims. Police say the group had recently escalated their activities to the use of lethal force.

The suspects are also believed to be linked to the Amanfrom robbery, a separate fatal robbery at Kronum, and several vehicle theft cases reported in Tarkwa and Kumasi. They had reportedly been on the wanted list of the Western Central Regional Police Command prior to their arrest.

All four suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be arraigned before court soon. The recovered firearm is undergoing forensic and ballistic examination, while efforts continue to apprehend other accomplices believed to be at large.

The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks and urged the public to support ongoing efforts by providing credible information to law enforcement agencies.