The New Juaben South Municipal Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old suspect, identified as Ibrahim Matawakiru, for allegedly breaking into and ransacking several shops along the Legion Hall–Adwenpa stretch in the Koforidua Central Business District (CBD).
The suspect is currently in police custody and is being processed to appear before court.
Suspect Allegedly Operated Through Ceilings
According to preliminary police investigations, the suspect allegedly broke into multiple shops through their roofing sheets and ceilings on December 27, 2025, after conducting surveillance on the area for 11 days.
Police say Matawakiru’s modus operandi involves traveling to targeted towns, identifying vulnerable shops, and gaining access through ceilings and roofing structures. He reportedly planned to carry out the operation over three days, but was trapped in the ceiling after intensified police patrols disrupted his escape plans.
The break-ins were discovered on Monday morning when shop owners noticed unusual activity and alerted the police.
Arrested While Hiding in Bank Ceiling
The suspect was eventually arrested while hiding in the reinforced concrete ceiling of a rural bank in the area.
A concealed sack retrieved from him contained several items believed to be burglary tools, including:
- Two (2) hacksaw blades
- One (1) hammer
- One (1) metal punch
- Two (2) screwdrivers
- One (1) crowbar
- Assorted keys of different types
- One (1) pair of pliers
- One (1) pair of scissors
- One (1) grinding machine
- Two (2) grinding wheels
- Three (3) wooden hammer handles
- One (1) keypad mobile phone
- Cash amounting to GH¢9,133.00
Police Issue Festive Season Security Warning
The New Juaben South Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Ransford Nsiah, has urged shop owners and residents to remain vigilant, particularly during the festive season, when criminal activity tends to increase.
“During festive occasions, these criminals intensify their activities, especially from December 31 to January 1 when many people leave their homes to attend church. I advise that someone stays at home to prevent criminals from having a field day,” he cautioned.
He further advised shop owners to upgrade their ceiling security by using iron rods or burglar-proof roofing to prevent easy access.
CCTV Alone Not Enough – Police
The Municipal Crime Officer, ASP Asante Kusi Augustine, noted that one shop owner observed the suspect monitoring activities but failed to report him.
“Residents and shop owners must report such suspicious acts,” he stressed.
He also warned that merely installing Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras is insufficient if they are poorly positioned or not functional.
“We realised the cameras were focused only inside the shops and corridors, while the suspect monitored them from the street for 11 days. CCTV coverage should extend to the streets, footage must be reviewed daily, and systems must be properly maintained,” he added.
The police say investigations are ongoing and have reiterated their commitment to ensuring safety and security within the Koforidua municipality.
