2026.4.16 Ghana rescues 305 West African nationals, including 113 children, in anti-trafficking operation
ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — More than 300 West African nationals, including 113 children, have been rescued after an intelligence-led bust by the Ghana Immigration Service on street begging networks in the capital of Accra, the agency said on Thursday.
The operation early Wednesday targeted suspected street begging rings exploiting foreign nationals linked to human trafficking across parts of the Greater Accra Region.
According to a U.S. State Department report in 2024, Ghana does not meet the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking despite efforts by the government. It is a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking in West Africa.
The country breakdown of the 305 nationals was not provided, but it is said to include 36 boys, 77 girls, 66 women and 126 men.
The agency said the high number of minors highlighted growing concerns over the use of children in organized begging schemes linked to human trafficking, and the operation was carried out to disrupt networks that exploit foreign nationals, particularly women and children, often under coercive arrangements.
The Western North Regional Police Command has arrested five suspects who posed as National Security operatives at Suiaboi in the Suaman District. They are Amponsah Asare Wagan, 33, Nelson Agbodzah, 28, Awedagah Norbert, 27, Francis Brefo, 35, and Benjamin Boakye, 48.
At a media briefing at the Regional Police headquarters, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Dr Francis Kwame Tsidi, the Regional Commander said, on April 2, 2026 at about 1800 hours, the Police received information that some men dressed in security attire and claimed to be National Security operatives were driving through Suiaboi community visiting mining sites and demanding documentations and seizing items of people who were not actively mining at the time.
According to him, community members got alarmed with the conduct of the said individuals and decided to engage them for questioning. He noted that the police acting on intelligence followed up to the direction of the suspects arrested and sent them to the Dadieso Police station for further investigation.
DCOP Tsidi stated that interrogation revealed that, suspect Amponsah Asare Wagan, claimed to be a Medical Doctor, Nelson Agbodzah and Awedagah Norbert identified themselves as National Security Operatives with the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and Nhyeaso NADMO office respectively.
He said investigation revealed that on April 2, 2026, suspect Amponsah Asare Wagan organised three of the other suspects in Kumasi and planned to embark on an unauthorised mining operation in the Western North Region.
He stated that they hired a Toyota Hilux with registration number GX 1095-19 from LEASAFRIC, a car rental company in Kumasi, with suspect Benjamin Boakye, as the Company’s driver.
He noted that group planned to go to Bibiani but ended up at Suiaboi where they went to a mining site to cause unlawful damage to mining equipment, ransacked victims’ rooms, and stole five mobile phones and GHC2000.00 in the process.
The Regional Police Commander disclosed that upon thorough investigation, Amponsah Asare Wagan, later confessed that he was paid by one Yaw, an ex-employee of the mining site, to expose the mining activities of his (Yaw) former boss.
Police retrieved two car batteries, three water pumping machines, a starter, some metals believed to be an excavator parts, five mobile phones, bunch of keys, an AA live cartridge, and a pair of military camouflage trouser, all belonging to the victims during a search in the Toyota Hilux.
DCOP Tsidi also stated that Mr. Francis Duah, the Transport Manager for LEASAFRIC, had furnished police with copies of the company’s registration documents and those of the vehicle, and that suspects would be put before court after the investigations.
He further cautioned that security agencies in the region would not entertain any act of lawlessness in the fight against illegal mining.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested a suspect in connection with the recent disturbance at the Adjin Kotoku Onion Market.
The incident, which occurred on April 5, 2026, involved a shooting that disrupted activities at the busy market in Adjin Kotoku.
According to police, a team of surveillance officers from the Special Operations Unit under the Office of the Assistant to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) was deployed to the area to conduct a fact-finding mission following the unrest.
On April 8, 2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the team successfully apprehended a suspect identified as Inusah Seidu, aged 40, at his hideout within Adjin Kotoku. He is believed to have played a role in the shooting incident.
The suspect is currently in police custody assisting with ongoing investigations.
The Police say efforts are underway to track down and arrest other individuals believed to be connected to the incident.
Authorities have assured the public of their commitment to maintaining law and order and urged residents to remain calm while investigations continue.
THE Northern Regional Special Operations Team of the Ghana Police Service has arrested 11 Nigerians for their alleged involvement in drug peddling and internet fraud in the Tamale Metropolis.
The intelligence-led operation, carried out on March 30, 2026, at approximately 18:00 hours by a team of 35 personnel led by Chief Inspector Abu Issahaku, marked a major breakthrough in the fight against crime in the metropolis.
Those arrested were identified as Benjamin Ahmed, 29; Michael Monday, 25; Frank Chinadu, 25; and Emmanuel Chukwuong, 25. The rest were Renew Onochie, 25; Francis Asisi, 25; Owen Umoh, 29; Shadrack John, 22; Okolie James, 27; and Purity Madubunachukwu, 17.
A statement made available to The Ghanaian Times in Tamale said the operation commenced at Yung, where one of the suspects, Mohammed Hudu, 28, was arrested with two sachets of 250mg Tramadol.
The statement said the team, acting on further intelligence, proceeded to Wamale, where 10 other suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in internet fraud.
It stated that a search conducted at the suspects’ premises led to the retrieval of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, two sachets of 225mg Tramadol, nine laptop computers, three SIM cards, and 11 mobile phones.
All the suspects are in police custody at the Northern Regional Headquarters, assisting with investigation.
Bekwai (Ash), April 1, GNA – The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has successfully dismantled a suspected armed robbery syndicate following two coordinated operations at Krofrom and Mamponteng near Kumasi, leading to the death of a key suspect and the arrest of the alleged gang leader.
The first operation, carried out on March 26, 2026, resulted in the arrest of Munir Ali, also known as Petit, aged 27, who later died while receiving treatment.
According to the police, the operation was led by the Regional Operations Commander with support from senior officers and other ranks.
Upon seeing the police, the suspect attempted to flee and open fire, prompting officers to return fire and injure him.
He was subsequently arrested and rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital for medical attention but later succumbed to his injuries.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Cephas Arthur, the Deputy Regional Commander, speaking to media in an interview, said Ali reportedly confessed to his involvement in a series of robbery incidents across several locations during preliminary interrogation.
He said he admitted taking part in an attack on commuters along the Obuasi-Dunkwa road on March 10, 2026, at about 1100 hours, where he and his accomplices ambushed victims.
Police intervention during that incident led to the death of two suspects, identified as David Aheto and Illiasu Bawa, while Munir Ali managed to escape.
He further confessed to participating in a broad daylight robbery between Manso Mpatasie and Manso Odaho on March 3, 2026, as well as another robbery at Mankranso on March 7, 2026.
The suspect also linked the gang to robbery activities in Tarkwa in the Western Region and Aflao in the Volta Region.
A search conducted on him led to the retrieval of an unmarked pistol, one spent cartridge, and two live cartridges.
Before his death, Munir Ali named several accomplices believed to be part of the syndicate, including individuals identified as Dauda, Orlo, Bash, Emma, also known as Abodie, A.T, and the alleged gang leader, Obey.
He further disclosed that the gang leader was in possession of two AK-47 assault rifles and a pump-action shotgun.
ACP Arthur also added that a second operation at Mamponteng on March 28, 2026, led to the arrest of the alleged gang leader, Obey, whose real name is Osmanu Razak, aged 28, from Garu.
During interrogation, Osmanu Razak reportedly admitted to participating in several robbery incidents, including the Mankranso robbery on March 7, 2026, and another at Kunsu Wiaso near Mankranso.
He also confirmed his involvement in the Tarkwa robbery but denied any role in the Aflao incident, attributing that operation to the deceased suspect and other accomplices.
He further identified Bash, Emma alias Abodie, and Atta Kakra alias A.T as members of the gang and indicated that the two AK-47 rifles and the pump-action gun are currently in the possession of Bash, who remains at large.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, has assured the public that efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
“We are on the heels of the remaining members of the gang, who will soon be arrested and brought to book,” the statement emphasized.
The Command reiterated its firm’s stance against violent crime, assuring residents that the jurisdiction remains hostile to criminals, particularly armed robbers.
“We have declared war on armed robbery and other violent crimes, and we shall not rest until we achieve our objective,” the statement concluded.
2026.3.29 GH₵400k MoMo Probe Reveals Gold Robbery Scheme as Four Suspects Face Court
The Ghana Police Service has confirmed that a widely reported case involving an alleged unauthorised withdrawal of GH₵400,000 from a mobile money account is directly linked to a gold robbery and fraud operation currently under investigation, following a probe ordered by Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno.
Investigations by the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) established that the funds form part of proceeds from a fraudulent gold transaction. On December 8, 2025, police received a complaint from Francis Ayaaba of Ejisu, who told investigators he had been lured to a house at Ntoaso near Nsawam under the pretense of a gold deal. He said he paid GH₵500,000 in cash and transferred a further GH₵400,000 via mobile money for the gold, but armed men arrived shortly after the payment and robbed him of the commodity.
Investigators traced the GH₵400,000 mobile money transfer to accounts linked to Derrick Okyere Dapaah, also known as Pablo, a mobile money merchant based in Kumasi. Police established that the funds were subsequently moved through two additional accounts before being withdrawn by Abudu Dauda, who told investigators he acted on the instructions of another individual.
Police obtained court orders to freeze the implicated accounts, reverse the transaction, and retrieve the GH₵400,000 as evidence while the broader investigation continues. Four suspects, William Nene Sakitey Osabotey, Abudu Dauda, Prince Ofori, and Derrick Okyere Dapaah, have been arrested and charged. All four were granted bail and are expected to reappear in court on April 29, 2026. Police say efforts are ongoing to arrest two additional suspects who remain at large.
The IGP had earlier ordered the PPSB probe following public complaints that Kibi-based police officers were implicated in an unauthorised withdrawal from the same mobile money account. Sunday’s police statement clarified the full picture of the case and shifted focus squarely onto the criminal fraud network behind the original robbery.
The DOVVSU Circuit Court has granted GH¢200,000 bail to a 33-year-old trader, Latifa Salifu, who has been charged with allegedly stealing a baby from a health facility in Accra.
The court admitted the accused to bail with two sureties, one of whom must justify with landed property valued at GH¢150,000. The sureties are required to deposit their Ghana Cards with the Court Registry. Salifu has also been directed to surrender all her travel documents and report to the case investigator every Monday and Thursday at 1:00 p.m. until further orders of the court.
She pleaded not guilty to one count of child stealing.
Chief Inspector Opoku Aniagyei told the court that investigations had been concluded and that an amended charge sheet had replaced the earlier provisional charge. The court subsequently struck out the previous charge and proceeded to take the plea of the accused on the amended charge.
Counsel for the accused, Dr Hamisu Muhammad, prayed the court to grant bail, stating that his client had cooperated fully with the Police since her arrest on 17 February 2026. He argued that she has a fixed place of abode, is engaged in lawful trade as a clothes dealer, and is not a flight risk.
Although the prosecution did not oppose the bail application, it urged the court to impose strict conditions to ensure the accused’s attendance throughout the trial.
The prosecution alleges that the complainant, Precious Ankomah, delivered a baby through a caesarean section at the Mamprobi Polyclinic on 14 February 2026. On 17 February at about 7:00 a.m., the accused allegedly took the baby from the ward under the pretext of administering medication and failed to return. The child was subsequently reported missing, leading to investigations and her arrest.
The baby was later diagnosed with jaundice and scheduled for referral to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
2026.2.24 Abesim murders: Court slaps Richard Appiah with life sentence for killing 2 boys
Richard Appiah has been sentenced to life imprisonment after a seven-member jury at the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra unanimously found him guilty of murdering two boys in Abesim in the Bono Region.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, February 25, 2026, brings to an end a trial that has gripped public attention since the shocking events of August 2021.
Appiah, a former footballer previously associated with Okumapem FC, was convicted on two counts of murder in the deaths of 12-year-old Louis Agyemang Jr. and a 15-year-old Stephen Sarpong.
The case emerged after police conducted a search of Appiah’s residence in Abesim, near Sunyani. Inside a locked room, officers discovered the bodies of the two boys. One body was found in the room, while the other had been concealed in a refrigerator.
The disturbing circumstances surrounding the discovery triggered outrage within the community and across the country.
Medical evidence presented during the trial indicated that one victim died from strangulation, while the other suffered fatal blood loss.
Appiah, who was 28 at the time of the incident, had been on trial since 2022 before Justice Ruby Aryeetey.
Although he admitted responsibility for the deaths, his legal team raised a plea of insanity. The defence argued that he was suffering from schizophrenia at the time and lacked the capacity to understand the nature or consequences of his actions.
The court heard that he underwent psychiatric assessment and was initially declared unfit to stand trial before later being certified fit to continue with proceedings.
Prosecutors, however, insisted the murders were deliberate. They told the court that Appiah hid the bodies, attempted to destroy evidence and joined search efforts, actions they argued showed clear awareness and intent.
The state called five witnesses in support of its case. Appiah testified in his own defence and also called his father as a witness.
Following closing arguments and the judge’s summing up, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty on both counts.
Justice Aryeetey subsequently sentenced Appiah to life imprisonment, citing the seriousness of the offences.
The February 25 ruling draws a line under one of the most disturbing criminal cases in recent years and renews debate about violent crime, mental health evaluations in criminal proceedings and the administration of justice.
The Oti Regional Police Command has arrested two persons for possession of arms and ammunition without lawful authority after intercepting a truck transporting concealed ammunition from Accra to Kpandai in the Northern Region.
The arrest followed intelligence received by the Oti Regional Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) on February 7, 2026, indicating that a Kia Rhino truck with registration number GS 4677–17 had been loaded with boxes of ammunition and was en route to Kpandai.
The information was promptly relayed to the Regional PID Director, ASP Maxwell Osafo-Adamu, who deployed an intelligence team to monitor and intercept the vehicle.
On February 8, 2026, at about 3:30 p.m., the team laid an ambush and successfully intercepted the Kia Rhino.
A thorough search of the vehicle revealed one locally manufactured single-barrel shotgun and 21 boxes containing a total of 525 rounds of Lion AAA and BB ammunition.
The items were concealed among building materials in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Abubakari Salam Atta, and his mate, Kabuja Kwadwo Tademe, were arrested at the scene. According to the police, the two suspects claimed ownership of the firearm and ammunition retrieved from the vehicle.
Both suspects are currently in police custody to assist with ongoing investigations and are expected to be processed for court in accordance with the law.
The police have reiterated their commitment to combating the illegal possession and trafficking of firearms and ammunition, noting that such activities pose a serious threat to public safety and national security.
The Command has also appealed to the public to continue providing timely information to support police efforts in maintaining peace and security in the region.
Photographs of the suspects and the retrieved exhibits have been secured as part of the investigation.
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Newsfile host, Samson Lardy Anyenini, has criticised the reduction of evangelist Nana Agradaa’s prison sentence from 15 years to one year, calling it legally flawed and socially dangerous.
Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, February 7, 2026, the private legal practitioner argued that the offence for which Agradaa was convicted could not reasonably attract such a drastic reduction in punishment.
He maintained that her actions amounted to a second-degree felony and not a minor infraction deserving leniency.
According to Anyenini, the scale and organisation of Agradaa’s conduct placed it firmly within the category of serious crime.
“Agradaa is not a mosquito,” he said, stressing that the harm caused was extensive and deliberate rather than trivial.
He described the case as a clear instance of organised, faith-based fraud, explaining that it was carefully designed to exploit vulnerable people seeking spiritual and financial intervention.
In his view, the conduct went beyond deception and entered the realm of predatory criminal behaviour.
“These acts prey on belief systems and religious trust,” Anyenini said, noting that victims were left emotionally, spiritually and financially devastated. He added that the impact of such crimes extended far beyond individual victims.
“Beyond individual victims, the offence inflicts serious social harm, eroding public trust and normalising exploitation under the guise of religion,” he argued.
Anyenini warned that the sentence reduction sends the wrong signal to society and weakens the deterrent power of the law.
He cautioned that the ruling risks transforming the justice system into a protective shield for wrongdoing rather than a barrier against it.
“This ruling will empower these charlatans to persist in their fraudulent activities,” he said, adding that self-styled spiritual leaders could feel emboldened to continue exploiting people if legal consequences are perceived as minimal.
The Newsfile host described the decision as a deeply flawed judgment with wide-reaching implications and urged the Attorney-General to act swiftly.
He said failure to challenge the ruling would undermine public confidence in the justice system and leave vulnerable citizens exposed.
Calling the sentence reduction a “sledgehammer ruling,” Anyenini insisted the matter must be revisited to protect the integrity of the law and ensure that organised fraud, particularly when cloaked in religion, attracts punishment proportionate to its gravity.
2026.2.7 Two remanded over trafficking of Vietnamese woman for prostitution
Accra, Feb.7 – Chen Xia, a manager, has been put before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly trafficking a Vietnamese to Ghana and compelling her to engage in prostitution.
Heis said to havepromisedthe victim a jobin the countryas a singer but failed.
Xia, 37, and his accomplice,LeThiNgoc,currentlyat large,are being held over charges of conspiracy to commit crime to wit human trafficking.
Xia is also being held for allegedly abetting with He Xiao Rei,also known asNana, a bar attendant,to engage in human trafficking.
Chen Xia is facing anadditionalcharge of human trafficking.
The twohave denied the charges preferred against them while the police are ona manhuntfor LeThiNgoc.
The court,presided over byMrsSusanaEduful,has remanded the two accused persons into policecustodypending the final determination of the case.
Itdirected the prosecution to file their disclosures and witnesses’ statements to ensureexpeditioustrial.
The matter has been adjourned to February 18, 2026.
The complainant (name withheld)isa trader and a Vietnamese while Chen Xia, the first accused person,is a Chinese national, LeThiNgoc, the second accused (now atlarge) isVietnamese,and He Xiao Rei, the third accused person,is aChinese.
On January 20, 2026, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit,theCriminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters received a complaintthat thecomplainant that she recruited by Chen Xia and transported by LeThiNgoc from Vietnam to Ghana under the pretext of securing her a job as a singer at KTV located in Tema,
According to the prosecution, on January 20, 2026, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters received a complaint that the complainant had been recruited by Chen Xia and transported by Le Thi Ngoc from Vietnam to Ghana under the pretext of securing her employment as a singer at a KTV facility in Tema.
Upon arrival, however, she was allegedly confined to a room and forced into prostitution.
Police searches in Tema Community 12 led to the arrest of Chen Xia and He Xiao Rei and the rescue of nine other victims.
Exhibits retrieved from the suspects’ apartment included a Toyota Corolla with registration number GT 6402-23, two blue notebooks and nine pieces of condoms.
The complainant was not found at the apartment. During interrogation, He Xiao Rei reportedly informed police that the complainant had been transferred to Wei Ja Na KTV at Labone, Accra.
He Xiao Rei subsequently led police to the location, where the complainant was rescued from a locked room in an apartment.
Preliminary investigations revealed that He Xiao Rei allegedly acted as a pimp, facilitating the movement of the complainant to various locations in Tema and Accra for prostitution, with proceeds amounting to about GH¢50,000 paid to Chen Xia.
Prosecution said investigations were ongoing.
In the first operation across three locations around Sakumono, a sophisticated SIMbox operation was dismantled. Three Nigerian nationals, along with a Ghanaian landlord, were arrested for their role in the operations.
In a second operation in Vakpo in the Volta Region, a 3-member syndicate of Ghanaians engaged in impersonation, sextortion and MoMo-related fraud was busted. The syndicate had chosen to impersonate the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations – my good self – and defraud members of the public.
They have all been processed for Court and will be made to face the full rigours of the law. Once again, we sound the caution: Ghana is a hospitable nation, but be assured that if you choose to engage in cybercrime, we will track you down, arrest you, and make you face the full rigours of our legal system!
2026.1.22 Jomoro: Man fatally stabs neighbour who tried to save him from committing suicide
A tragic incident in Takinta, Jomoro Constituency, Western Region, saw a 42-year-old man, Nya Meah, allegedly kill his neighbour, Cosmos Nda, who tried to prevent his suicide. The case highlights rising concerns over mental health and safety in local communities.
A tragic chain of events has left two men dead at Takinta in the Jomoro Constituency of the Western Region, following an incident involving an attempted suicide that turned violent.
According to a report by CrimeCheckNewsGH, a forty-two (42)-year-old man identified as Nya Meah allegedly killed his neighbour, Cosmos Nda, who tried to prevent him from taking his own life.
The report indicated that Nya Meah initially attempted to contact his son by phone to inform him of his intention to commit suicide, but the call was unsuccessful. He later sent a voice note to his son, instructing him not to place his body in the morgue after his death.
After listening to the audio message, the son reportedly rushed out to seek help and went to inform his uncle. On his way, he encountered Cosmos Nda, who also proceeded to Nya Meah’s house.
Upon their arrival, Nya Meah allegedly accused Cosmos Nda of pursuing him on several occasions. The situation quickly escalated when Nya Meah entered his room, emerged with a knife, and began chasing Cosmos.
Reports state that Cosmos fell while attempting to flee, after which Nya Meah allegedly attacked and killed him on the spot.
Following the incident, Nya Meah fled the area, and attempts to locate and arrest him were unsuccessful. However, he later returned to the community unnoticed.
It is alleged that he sneaked into his house, consumed weedicide, and set the building on fire while inside. Neighbours later noticed the fire and rushed to the scene, only to discover that Nya Meah was burning in the house.
The incident has left the community in shock, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
2026.1.20 Three Arrested Over Adabraka Gold Robbery
The Ghana Police Service, through the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Unit (SOA), has arrested three persons believed to be behind the Adabraka gold robbery.
The arrests were carried out on Tuesday in the Ashaiman District following months of sustained surveillance and intelligence-led operations aimed at identifying and apprehending suspects connected to the robbery.
Police have identified the suspects as Nashiru Abubakari, also known as “Soldiar,” Fatao Mohammed, popularly called “Motorway,” and a third suspect known only as “50Cent.”
According to police sources, the operation was the culmination of meticulous intelligence gathering, close monitoring, and targeted tactical action designed to dismantle the criminal network responsible for the violent robbery at Adabraka.
Investigations are ongoing to trace and arrest other accomplices believed to be at large, while efforts are also underway to retrieve exhibits linked to the crime. The suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be processed for court in accordance with the law.
The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to combating organised crime and ensuring public safety, and has urged members of the public to continue supporting law enforcement agencies with credible information.
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2026.1.20 Police Arrest Three Gang Leaders in Adabraka Gold Robbery Investigation
Police have arrested three more suspects described as key gang leaders linked to the Adabraka gold robbery, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to seven following months of intelligence led operations and surveillance by the Inspector General of Police’s Special Operations Unit.
The latest arrests were carried out on Monday afternoon, January 19, 2026, in Ashaiman. The suspects have been identified as Nashiru Abubakari, also known as Soldier; Fatao Mohammed, known as Motorway; and a third individual called 50 Cent.
Police sources indicate that the operation represents the culmination of meticulous intelligence gathering, continuous monitoring, and targeted tactical action aimed at dismantling the criminal network responsible for the violent robbery that shocked the nation in November 2024.
With these arrests, the total number of suspects in custody now stands at seven, following the earlier detention of four others connected to the robbery. The Ghana Police Service stated in a release on January 20 that investigations are ongoing to trace and apprehend other accomplices while efforts are underway to recover exhibits linked to the crime.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will be processed for court in line with due process. The arrests represent a significant breakthrough in investigations into the brazen daylight robbery that saw armed men steal 7.5 million cedis from a jewellery shop at Adabraka in Accra.
The Adabraka robbery occurred on November 2, 2024, when a group of armed men stormed the area in broad daylight and attacked a jewellery shop. The assailants targeted a vehicle transporting proceeds from a gold transaction being conveyed to a bank.
Viral videos from the scene showed at least five heavily built men wielding various firearms and firing shots into the air as they loaded stolen items, including bags believed to contain money, into a silver vehicle. Witnesses said the robbers ordered a bystander who had raised his hands in surrender to comply with their demands.
At one point, the suspects were seen scattering some of the money they had seized while continuing to fire warning shots. After loading the stolen items, the robbers sped off while firing additional shots into the air. The incident left at least one person injured after being hit by gunfire from the suspected robbers.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect and his accomplices, who were armed with AK 47 assault rifles, intercepted the victim’s vehicle and fired several shots to scare away members of the public. The brazen nature of the attack, conducted in broad daylight near the busy Adabraka Market area, sparked widespread public concern across Accra.
The first major arrest in the case came on November 20, 2025, when police apprehended Salim Mohammed, also known as Fariwata, at a hospital in Ashaiman where he had gone to seek medical care. The arrest was made through the Office of the Special Operations Assistant to the Inspector General of Police after months of intelligence led investigations.
On January 7, 2026, police arrested two additional suspects identified as Hamza Agerego, also known as Nene Bawku or Lambert, and Alhassan Elliasu, also known as Arab Man. They were picked up from their hideouts at Ashaiman through operations conducted by the Office of the Special Operations Assistant to the Inspector General of Police.
According to police, Hamza Agerego was first arrested and detained at the Katamanso District Police Headquarters in connection with the robbery. Acting on intelligence, a follow up operation was conducted at Ashaiman, leading to the arrest of Alhassan Elliasu at his hideout.
A search of the premises resulted in the recovery of a cache of weapons and other items, including two pump action guns, 43 rounds of AK 47 ammunition, 239 rounds of assorted ammunition, 14 mobile phones, and a quantity of foreign currencies believed to be connected to the robbery or other criminal activities.
On January 15, 2026, police retrieved a Toyota Highlander vehicle believed to have been used in the high profile Adabraka Gold Jewellery Shop robbery. The vehicle was recovered at Ashaiman Lebanon from its owner, suspect Abdul Samid Larry, popularly known as Touch, who was arrested during the operation.
The Toyota Highlander, identified as an exhibit in the Adabraka gold robbery case, has been impounded for further investigations. The suspect is currently in lawful custody and assisting with investigations as efforts intensify to determine his level of involvement and trace other persons linked to the robbery.
Police sources have told media outlets that the latest arrests on January 19 targeted key gang leaders believed to be behind the Adabraka robbery. The three suspects, Nashiru Abubakari, Fatao Mohammed, and the individual known as 50 Cent, are suspected of playing central roles in planning and executing the robbery.
The arrests demonstrate sustained police commitment to investigating the case and bringing all perpetrators to justice despite the months that have elapsed since the November 2024 incident. The recovery of weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and other exhibits strengthens the prosecution’s case as suspects face court proceedings.
In recognition of the investigative work that led to the initial arrests, the Ghana Police Service promoted 35 officers who played key roles in tracking down suspects in the Adabraka gold robbery incident. The promotions acknowledged the professionalism, dedication, and commitment demonstrated by the officers in conducting the complex investigation.
The Adabraka robbery represents one of the most high profile criminal cases in recent years, capturing national attention due to the brazen nature of the attack conducted in broad daylight in a busy commercial area. The thieves’ willingness to use heavy weaponry and fire shots in crowded public spaces raised serious concerns about public safety and security.
For the victims, the theft of 7.5 million cedis represented a devastating financial loss that disrupted business operations and created trauma for those directly affected by the violent attack. The protracted investigation has kept the case in public consciousness as police methodically tracked down suspects across various locations.
The concentration of arrests in Ashaiman suggests the area may have served as a base of operations or hideout location for members of the criminal network. Security analysts note that organized criminal groups often establish presences in densely populated urban areas where anonymity is easier to maintain and movement can be concealed among regular commercial activity.
The recovery of substantial quantities of weapons and ammunition during the arrests raises questions about the suspects’ involvement in other criminal activities beyond the Adabraka robbery. Police have not disclosed whether investigations are examining possible connections to additional armed robberies or other violent crimes.
Legal proceedings against the seven suspects currently in custody will determine their individual roles and culpability in the robbery. Under Ghanaian law, armed robbery carries severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences for those convicted of planning, participating in, or facilitating such crimes.
The use of aliases by all suspects arrested in connection with the case, including Soldier, Motorway, 50 Cent, Fariwata, Touch, Nene Bawku, Lambert, and Arab Man, suggests organized criminal activity with members using street names to conceal their identities and complicate law enforcement efforts to track their activities.
Investigators face the challenge of establishing chains of command within the criminal network, identifying who planned the robbery, who recruited participants, who provided weapons, who conducted surveillance, and who executed the actual attack. Forensic analysis of recovered exhibits including vehicles, weapons, and communications devices will support prosecution efforts.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that investigations into the Adabraka Gold Jewellery Shop robbery are ongoing and reiterated its commitment to bringing all persons involved to justice. Additional arrests are expected as police continue tracing accomplices who may have provided support, resources, or safe harbor to the primary suspects.
For the jewellery shop owners and employees who experienced the trauma of the violent robbery, the arrests may provide some measure of closure and justice, though the financial losses and psychological impacts of the attack likely continue affecting them months after the incident.
The case highlights ongoing challenges facing law enforcement in combating armed robbery and organized crime in urban areas. Success in this investigation demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained intelligence gathering, inter agency coordination, and tactical operations when properly resourced and executed.
As the seven suspects await court proceedings and police continue searching for additional accomplices, the Adabraka robbery case serves as a reminder of both the audacity of criminal enterprises and the determination of law enforcement to pursue justice regardless of how long investigations require.
Acting on this CSA-led intelligence, a joint team comprising operatives from National Security Operations, the Cyber Security Authority, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, and the National Police SWAT conducted coordinated operations at the identified centres on 16th and 17th January 2026.
During the operations, nine (9) Nigerian nationals were arrested as suspects, while forty-four (44) additional Nigerian nationals believed to be victims were rescued. The victims were found in their respective apartments, operating laptop computers.
Searches conducted in the apartments resulted in the retrieval of the following items:
-Fifty-two (52) assorted mobile phones
-Sixty-two (62) laptop computers
-Two (2) pump-action guns.
In total, fifty-three (53) Nigerian nationals were arrested across the various locations as follows:
East Legon Hills – 5
Afienya – 11
Kwabenya – 10
Weija – 10
Tuba – 17
All the arrested individuals have been duly profiled and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for safekeeping and further investigations. We caution foreign nationals invited to Ghana to verify claims made by their fellow nationals to lure them here.
Some individuals picked up in the previous operations have been profiled by the Ghana Immigration Service and INTERPOL and successfully handed over to Nigerian law enforcement operatives at the Seme border. Others are currently facing criminal prosecution before the law courts.
Protecting Ghana’s cyber image internationally is non-negotiable. Kudos to the CSA team and our partner law enforcement agencies.
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