ACP Cephas Arthur briefing the media
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has dealt a major blow to a suspected armed robbery syndicate operating across parts of the country, following two intelligence-led operations at Krofrom and Mamponteng near Kumasi.
The operations, carried out on March 26 and March 28, 2026, led to the arrest of the alleged gang leader and the death of another key suspect.
Briefing the media, the Ashanti South Regional Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Cephas Arthur, disclosed that the first operation at Krofrom resulted in the arrest of Munir Ali, also known as Petit, aged 27.
He explained that the suspect attempted to flee upon sighting the police, and allegedly opened fire on the team, prompting officers to respond. Munir Ali sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange, and was rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital, where he later died while receiving treatment.
According to ACP Arthur, preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased suspect was linked to a series of robbery incidents across multiple locations.
He reportedly admitted involvement in an attack on commuters along the Obuasi–Dunkwa road on March 10, 2026. Police intervention during that incident led to the death of two other suspects, while Munir Ali managed to escape.
The suspect also confessed to participating in other robbery attacks, including incidents at Manso Mpatasie, Manso Odaho, and Mankranso earlier in March.
A search conducted on him led to the retrieval of a pistol and ammunition.
ACP Arthur further indicated that before his death, the suspect provided intelligence on other members of the syndicate, including the alleged gang leader identified as Obey.
Acting on the information, police mounted a second operation at Mamponteng on March 28, 2026, which led to the arrest of the suspected kingpin, Osmanu Razak, aged 28.
During interrogation, Osmanu Razak reportedly admitted involvement in some of the robbery incidents, including attacks at Mankranso and Kunsu Wiaso. However, he denied involvement in an incident at Aflao, claiming it was carried out by other members of the gang.
Police say investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects believed to be on the run.
The Command has assured the public of its unwavering commitment to combating violent crime and maintaining law and order in the region.
It also urged residents to volunteer credible information to assist ongoing police operations aimed at bringing all perpetrators to justice.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi