The Bono Regional Police Command has achieved a major breakthrough in its sustained fight against armed robbery after dismantling several criminal networks and arresting eight suspects believed to be behind a series of violent attacks across the Bono and Ahafo regions.

Announcing the development at a press briefing in Sunyani on Monday, December 8, the Regional Police Commander, DCOP Joshua Coppson, said the arrests followed a month-long intelligence-led operation targeting notorious gang members, including ex-convicts suspected of orchestrating multiple robberies.

Eight Key Suspects Arrested

The suspects arrested include:

• Johnson Amponsah Kwame Diawuo, 47 (ex-convict)
• Shadrach Owusu (Shark), 25
• Samuel Kwafo, 30 (ex-convict)
• Latif Mustapha (Star Boy), 28
• Mosby Owusu, 20
• Kofi Iddrisa, 45
• Kwabena Agon Azubilla Akalotey, 18
• Foster Baba Kumi, 35

DCOP Coppson described the operation as a “major breakthrough” and confirmed that all suspects had been arraigned before court for their alleged involvement in a series of robbery incidents and related criminal activities.

Foiled Robbery and Confessions

Investigations revealed that on November 18, 2025, a gang led by Diawuo attempted to rob commuters on the Berekum–Drobo Road, but the timely intervention of a Police Patrol Team thwarted the attack.

During interrogations, suspects Kwafo and Owusu confessed to participating in the attempted robbery and identified Diawuo as the leader and mastermind. They also admitted involvement in several robberies in the Nkaseim area of the Asutifi South District in the Ahafo Region.

Weapons, Military Uniforms, and Stolen Items Recovered

Police arrested Diawuo at his hideout in Nyamennae, Berekum, where officers retrieved:

• Quantities of Indian hemp
• Two motorcycle helmets
• Two machetes

In another operation at Domfete near Berekum, the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) arrested Mustapha and Owusu. A search of Mustapha’s room uncovered a cache of suspicious items, including:

• Full military camouflage uniform and jacket
• Cruxnut Glock toy gun
• Two live and three spent soft foam bullets
• A Taser
• Military boots
• Several knives, talismans, and war regalia
• Pepper spray
• Several items suspected to be stolen, including laptops
• Fourteen pieces of toffee suspected to be laced with Indian hemp

Furthermore, a Parabellum Model R-9 Hungarian pistol loaded with two rounds of 9mm ammunition was found in Owusu’s room. Investigations confirmed that Mustapha had sold the weapon to Owusu for GHS 9,000, though he allegedly continued to keep the firearm intermittently.

Motorcycle Theft Ring Linked to Côte d’Ivoire

Suspects Iddrisa and Kumi were arrested at Ewiakrom near Nkrankwanta for allegedly receiving and facilitating the transportation of stolen motorcycles and tricycles to Côte d’Ivoire. Police recovered:

• Three motorcycles
• One tricycle

Police Assure Public of Continued Action

DCOP Coppson assured residents that the police are intensifying their efforts to arrest the remaining accomplices and recover additional weapons and stolen items linked to the criminal networks.

He appealed to the public to support the Police Service with credible information to enhance safety and security across the regions.