Three suspected armed robbers were killed on Christmas Eve following a fierce shootout with police operatives in a bush along the Anwiankwanta–Jacobu Junction road in the Ashanti Region.
The deceased were said to be part of a five-member robbery gang that allegedly opened fire on police officers during an intelligence-led operation, forcing the police to respond. Two other members of the gang escaped and are currently on the run.
According to a police situational report (SITREP) the Ashanti Regional Police Command received credible intelligence on December 24, 2025, that the gang had assembled in a bush between Anwiankwanta and Jacobu Junction, allegedly planning to attack road users on the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi highway.
A police team, supported by four service vehicles, was swiftly dispatched to the area. Upon reaching the hideout, officers encountered five armed young men. The suspects reportedly fired at the police while attempting to flee through the bush, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
During the confrontation, three suspects sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival. They were later identified as Seidu Issah, 29; Musah Yakubu, 35; and Yahaya Munkaila, also known as Tijani, 25. Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
The police report indicated that the deceased, together with their accomplices, were wanted in connection with several robbery attacks and killings in Manso, Jacobu and Anwiankwanta and its surrounding communities.
Exhibits retrieved from the scene included two pump-action guns loaded with six rounds of ammunition each, an unbranded pistol, as well as a sack containing 25 live cartridges and six spent shells.
Police say investigations have commenced, while efforts are being intensified to track down the two escaped suspects and recover any additional firearms in their possession.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi