A wave of relief swept across the nation on Wednesday, September 24, 2024, as the Ghana Police Service announced a major victory against organized crime.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, revealed at a press conference in Accra that a notorious armed robbery syndicate targeting rural banks across several regions had been dismantled after months of intense investigation and action.
Addressing journalists, police officers, and dignitaries at the National Police Headquarters, Dr. Yohuno described the operation as a “major breakthrough” in the fight against violent crime. The IGP explained that over the past year, police had noticed a disturbing pattern: a series of attacks on financial institutions, especially rural banks, bearing striking similarities. This pointed to a highly coordinated and structured criminal gang.
“This morning, we are delighted to share with you a major breakthrough the Service has made in our fight against violent crimes, specifically armed robbery,” Dr. Yohuno announced. He credited the success to thorough data analysis, surveillance, and the invaluable input of credible informants, which enabled the police to track and apprehend the syndicate.
The extensive operation spanned five regions—Ahafo, Western, Central, Eastern, and Ashanti—and included towns such as Esereso Adagya, Ejisu Achiaakrom, Atonsu-Kyirapatre, Ahwia-Zongo, Aputuogya-Abuontem, Kaase-BOST, Asuofua, Atonsu-Monaco, Pakyi, Obuasi, and Buoho near Kronum. In a decisive move, police arrested 10 suspects and fatally shot three others during a fierce gun battle. A manhunt is now underway for the remaining gang members still at large.
The operation yielded a significant cache of weapons and other tools used by the criminals, including:
14 weapons (AK-47 rifles, pump action guns, pistols, and a single-barreled gun)
Ammunition
Vehicles
Mobile phones
Dr. Yohuno commended the Ashanti Regional Police Commander and his intelligence team for their pivotal role in the raid, as well as all officers involved. He also expressed gratitude to the public for providing credible information that made the breakthrough possible, promising that the Service will continue to reward such cooperation.
Reaffirming the police’s resolve, the IGP concluded, “We will continue to make life uncomfortable for criminal elements in our society. We will continue to pursue you till you are brought to justice.”
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
