The Ghana Police Service has recorded a major breakthrough in its crackdown on armed robbery gangs in the country. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohonu told the media on Wednesday 25th September 2025 that the operation led to the arrest of key suspects of criminal networks that have terrorized financial institutions and communities.
Major Operation and Arrests
According to the IGP, the police conducted a coordinated operation targeting hideouts of armed robbery gangs in Ahafo, Western, Central, Eastern, and Ashanti regions. Areas searched included Chirapati, Asuofia, Atonsu Monako, Ahwie Zongo, Aputuogya, Pechi, Obuasi, and Buoho near Kronum.
According to him, the police arrested 10 suspects during the operation, while three others were shot dead during an exchange of gunfire with a manhunt ongoing for the remaining members of the armed robbery gangs.
Recovered items included 14 weapons such as AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, pistols, and ammunition. The police also seized vehicles, mobile phones, and other valuables. Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service, Lydia Yaako Donkor, revealed that some weapons retrieved from the armed robbery gangs were originally police service rifles snatched during deadly attacks on officers.
She disclosed that one of the AK-47 rifles marked GHGP/ASH /TEPA/ TP/B1523 belonged to Corporal Francis Adu Yaw, who was killed by armed robbers on the Bibiani-Goaso highway in November 2024.
“This is an indication that this same gang committed that heinous crime,” Donkor explained.
She further revealed that two other rifles had been stolen from officers on duty at Ecobank Ahafo Kenyase during a violent robbery in September 2025. The recovered cache included three AK-47 assault rifles, seven pump-action guns, three Bruni pistols, one M&P pistol, ammunition, six vehicles, four motorbikes, mobile phones, jewelry, and cash in various currencies, including 18,845 Ghana cedis.
Public Support and Police Promotions
The IGP Christian Tetteh Yohunu, emphasized that public cooperation was key to dismantling the armed robbery gangs. He encouraged communities to remain vigilant and provide credible information to aid investigations.
He also announced promotions for several police officers who played vital roles in tracking the suspects. These included three chief inspectors promoted to the police academy, two sergeants to inspector, three inspectors to chief inspector, one corporal to sergeant, and three constables elevated to lance corporal.
Background
Between November 2024 and September 2025, police observed a recurring pattern in the operations of armed robbery gangs. Their strategy often involved storming banks with pump-action guns, overpowering security guards, seizing their weapons, and using industrial cutting machines to break into vaults.
Police say the dismantling of these networks is a critical step in restoring safety and trust across affected regions. Yohunu assured the public that the police “will continue to make life uncomfortable for criminal elements in our society. We will continue to pursue you till you are brought to justice.”
