A 26-year-old man has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service after allegedly attempting to steal a police armoured vehicle in a bold daylight incident at Nkawie in the Ashanti Region.
The suspect, identified as Ebenezer Frimpong, was apprehended following a dramatic high-speed pursuit involving a SWAT team, bringing a swift end to what authorities describe as a “daring” theft attempt.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to a police situational report, the incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. A service driver, Lance Corporal Joshua Denkyi of the Formed Police Unit, had temporarily parked the armoured vehicle near the Nkawie Market while purchasing medication from a nearby pharmacy.
The vehicle, with registration number GP 1131, was reportedly left with its engine running, an oversight that the suspect allegedly exploited.
Frimpong, who was passing by, quickly entered the vehicle and drove off, leaving both the officer and bystanders stunned.
Swift Police Response and Arrest
An immediate alarm triggered a coordinated response from the Ashanti Regional Police Command. A seven-member SWAT team, led by Inspector Benjamin Nartey, was deployed to intercept the stolen vehicle.
The pursuit lasted approximately 30 minutes and ended at Mim, near Abuakwa, where officers successfully apprehended the suspect.
Authorities have since secured the armoured vehicle as evidence, while the suspect remains in custody.
Ongoing Investigations
Frimpong has been transferred to the Ashanti Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for further interrogation and possible prosecution.
Police have not yet disclosed the motive behind the attempted theft but are expected to provide updates as investigations progress.
Security Concerns Raised
The incident has raised questions about operational security protocols, particularly regarding the handling of sensitive police equipment in public spaces.
Leaving a high-security vehicle unattended with its engine running has drawn scrutiny, with security experts likely to call for stricter enforcement of safety procedures to prevent similar occurrences.
This developing story highlights both the boldness of criminal attempts and the rapid response capability of Ghana’s security services in safeguarding critical national assets.
