ACP Kwesi Ofori
A gun battle between four suspected armed robbers and police officers on highway patrol in the Ashanti Region has led to the death of two of the suspects and injury of one person said to be part of the gang.
The identities of the deceased persons and the victim receiving treatment are yet to be established by the police.
According to a police report, the incident occurred on the Manso-Nkwanta Road when the robbers were robbing some traders between Manso Akropong and Manso Mim Junction.
The Director General in charge of the Public Affairs Directorate, ACP Kwesi Ofori, when contacted said the personnel were on patrol duties within that stretch when they heard a gunshot ahead and traced the source.
He said the suspected armed robbers armed with AK47 rifles had stopped the vehicle of the traders and proceeded to rob them.
“The robbers, upon seeing the police vehicle approach them started firing in an attempt to escape,” he said, adding that the police returned fire and in the process, three of the suspects were hit by bullets.
ACP Ofori said a fourth suspect managed to escape arrest.
“The two suspects died on arrival at a hospital but one survived and is responding to treatment, but under guard.
“The victims of the robbery were saved through the police intervention and moved to safety while one AK 47 assault rifle was retrieved from the robbers,” he added.
He commended the patrol team for their bravery in rescuing the traders.
By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey