The Ghana Police Service has arrested five suspected members of an armed robbery gang accused of targeting gold dealers, mining sites and communities in parts of the Ashanti and Western regions.
The arrests followed a series of intelligence-led operations conducted between August and September 4, 2026, as police intensified efforts to dismantle the group and prevent further attacks.
One other suspect, identified as 40-year-old Seidu Salifu, died during the operations.
Police said the operations also led to the recovery of three AK-47 assault rifles, 357 rounds of ammunition, five magazines and two vehicles.
Five suspects arrested in anti-robbery operations
The suspects arrested include 33-year-old Clinton Mawuli, Richmond Mensah, alias Master Abey, Daniel Sarfo, alias Abedi, Prince Duker and another suspect.
According to the police, the gang allegedly operated across several communities, including Wassa Akropong, Diaso, Dome, Abofour Camp and the Manso enclave.
The intelligence-led operations were part of efforts by the Ghana Police Service to track down suspected criminals believed to be behind attacks on businesses and communities linked to the gold and mining industry.
Police said Seidu Salifu, who was linked to previous robbery incidents around Sakam near Offinso, died during the operation.
The Service further disclosed that Salifu was standing trial at the Nsuta Circuit Court in connection with the alleged robbery of gold bullion at Offinso Abofour in July 2025.
His death occurred as security personnel carried out the latest operations against the suspected robbery network.
Separate arrests over gold buyer’s murder
In a related development, the Western Regional Police Command arrested suspects in connection with the robbery and murder of a 40-year-old gold buyer, Seth Kobina, at Agona Fie near Agona Nkwanta.
The arrests were made during a separate operation on August 21, 2026.
Police identified some of the suspects as Christopher Seyiri, alias “Cross and Die”, 47; Bashiru Ibrahim, 20; Thomas Odoom, alias “Wale”, 30; and Isaac Quayeson, alias “Last Burial”, who was arrested at Denkyira Kwaboso in the Western North Region.
Two locally manufactured pistols, five live BB cartridges, a metal bar and two cutlasses were recovered during the operation, according to the police.
Following the arrests, the Ghana Police Service said it has deployed special teams to affected communities to strengthen security and prevent further attacks.
The deployment is intended to allow residents, traders and other community members to carry out their daily activities without fear or disruption while investigations into the alleged robbery activities continue.
The police have also urged the public to cooperate with investigators and provide relevant information that could assist in efforts to combat armed robbery in the affected areas.
Security concerns around gold and mining communities
The latest arrests highlight ongoing security concerns in communities where gold trading and mining activities form an important part of the local economy.
Gold dealers, mining sites and communities can become targets for criminals because of the value of gold and cash associated with the trade.
The police operation is therefore expected to provide some relief to residents and businesses in the affected parts of the Ashanti, Western and Western North regions as investigations continue.
Authorities have not indicated whether further arrests will follow, but the deployment of special security teams suggests that police operations in the affected communities remain ongoing.
