Police in the Ashanti Region say they have dismantled a suspected carjacking syndicate linked to a series of violent robberies, including the fatal shooting of a businessman in Kumasi earlier this month.
At a media briefing on Monday, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Osei Akoto Arthur, said the intelligence-led operation followed the robbery and killing of Mr Andrews Amankwah on 10 February 2026 at Ohwim-Amanfrom.
Mr Amankwah was shot and his Toyota Hilux vehicle, registration number GN 6647-25, was stolen.
According to police, coordinated operations between 18 and 22 February led to the arrest of four suspected members of the group, known as the “Duku Syndicate”. One suspect, believed to be the leader, Eric Antwi Duku, 42, sustained gunshot wounds during an operation on 22 February and was later pronounced dead at hospital.
Items recovered during the operation included a Bruni Mod 84 pistol, eight rounds of live ammunition, a tracking detection device, forged vehicle documents and a Toyota Corolla S belonging to the deceased suspect.
Police said the first breakthrough came on 18 February with the arrest of Akwasi Manu, 47, who was found in possession of the deceased victim’s mobile phone.
Subsequent arrests included Bashiru Tanko, also known as “TK”, 33, at Atonsu; Kojo Amponsah, alias “Kamakazi”, 35, at Hwireso near Boankra; and Emmanuel Kwame Appiah, alias “Taller”, 38, at Danyame. Investigators allege that Appiah acted as the driver during the fatal robbery.
DCOP Arthur said investigations indicate that the syndicate specialised in targeting Toyota Hilux vehicles and conducted prior surveillance on victims before striking. He added that the group had recently escalated to the use of lethal force.
Preliminary findings also link the suspects to another fatal robbery at Kronum, where a Toyota Hilux belonging to the Ghana National Association of Teachers was stolen.
Police say the suspects have confessed to multiple vehicle thefts in Tarkwa and Kumasi between April 2025 and February 2026, involving several Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser vehicles. Intelligence gathered from the suspects suggests that stolen vehicles were moved through the northern border corridor.
The recovered firearm is undergoing forensic and ballistic examination to determine whether it was used in other crimes.
The suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be arraigned before court. Investigations are ongoing to identify additional accomplices, including those involved in the disposal of stolen vehicles and the preparation of forged documents.
Police have urged members of the public to provide credible information to support ongoing crime-fighting efforts, pledging to pursue and dismantle violent criminal networks operating in the region.
Source:www.kumasimail.com
