The Upper West Regional Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its ongoing investigation into a string of mysterious murders that have plagued the region since 2021.
Two suspects, Sherif Abdulai, 30, and Mahamuda Lamin, 25, have been arrested for their alleged involvement in 15 murder cases recorded across the region between 2021 and 2022.
According to the police, the victims were mainly night watchmen and occasionally mentally challenged persons who were brutally attacked, strangled, or struck in the head with concrete blocks. The most recent victim, Issah Yahaya, a 55-year-old watchman, was found murdered at Wa-Dobile on September 21, 2025.
Breakthrough in Wa Murder Investigation
The police breakthrough came after weeks of coordinated intelligence operations involving officers from the National Police Headquarters and the Upper West Regional Command.
Suspect Mahamuda Lamin was first arrested on October 3, 2025, after forensic leads linked him to one of the crime scenes. His interrogation led investigators to a second suspect, Sherif Abdulai, who was later arrested on October 6, 2025, at Adabiya, a suburb of Wa, with the support of the local Assemblyman and community members.
A search conducted on Abdulai led to the recovery of a Villaon keypad phone and an X-Base solar-powered portable radio, both identified as property of the murdered watchman, Issah Yahaya. Police also retrieved a cutlass, bicycle, and other items from his hideout in a metal container near the Airstrip area.
How the Police Cracked the Case
During a press briefing, Upper West Regional Police Commander, ACP Francis Yiribare, revealed that the suspects confessed to several of the crimes. He noted that forensic evidence and consistent patterns across the cases guided investigators to the suspects.
“The police are still investigating to determine whether other persons were involved,” ACP Yiribare stated, commending the public for their cooperation and the police teams for their tireless work.
Details of the Latest Murder
On September 21, 2025, police discovered the body of Yahaya Issah, aged 55, at a mechanic shop in Dobile near Wa New Market. The scene contained a blood-stained cement block, a knife, and other evidence suggesting a violent attack.
A post-mortem conducted at the Upper West Regional Hospital revealed the cause of death as severe head injury due to blunt force trauma. The body was later released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
National Support and Public Cooperation
Following similarities observed in all the murder cases, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno dispatched a special team of intelligence officers and forensic experts from Accra to assist the regional command. Their collaboration, guided by intelligence and community tip-offs, led to the successful arrests.
The IGP and the police hierarchy have since commended the investigative team and the residents of Wa for their vigilance and support in cracking the case.
Police Appeal for More Information
The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents of the Upper West Region that it will continue to root out criminals.
“We remain resolute in ensuring justice for the families of the victims and maintaining peace in the region,” ACP Yiribare emphasized.
The public is encouraged to share any further information related to these murders or other criminal activities with the police for immediate action.
