The Ghana Police Service has successfully dismantled a violent carjacking syndicate responsible for a wave of robberies in Kumasi and the Tarkwa area, leading to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of multiple stolen vehicles, Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno announced on Monday.
The breakthrough operation was directly precipitated by the fatal shooting of Andrews Amankwaa during a robbery at Ohwim Amanfrom on February 10, 2026.
The victim, who had his Toyota Hilux (registration number GN 6647-25) stolen during the attack, later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Providing details at a press briefing at the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters, the IGP stated that the dismantled network, locally known as the Duku gang, specialized in stealing Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser vehicles.
He revealed that the alleged leader of the gang, Eric Antwi Duku, sustained gunshot wounds during a police operation and has since died.
According to the IGP, the suspects did not hesitate to use lethal force when victims resisted.
Investigations have uncovered the syndicate’s extensive operational reach, with links stretching to Tarkwa and Offinso, as well as international connections in Dubai, where associates allegedly assisted in forging vehicle documentation for export.
Detailing the sequence of arrests that led to the gang’s collapse, the police say that on February 18, the first arrest was made when Akwasi Manu was apprehended in possession of the deceased victim’s mobile phone.
On February 19, following leads, Bashiru Tanko was arrested at Atonsu in Kumasi, and on February 21, Kwadwo Amponsah was taken into custody near Buokrom.
Then, on February 22, Emmanuel Kwame Appiah was arrested at Danyame. IGP Yohuno identified Appiah as the getaway driver in the fatal Ohwim Amanfrom robbery.
A search of the suspects led to the recovery of several critical pieces of evidence, including a Bruni Mod 84 pistol, live ammunition, a vehicle tracking device, and several stolen vehicles. These exhibits are currently undergoing forensic and ballistic examination.
Preliminary findings suggest the gang meticulously conducted surveillance on their victims, with a preference for black and ash-coloured vehicles.
The stolen vehicles were either transported through the northern border corridor for sale or shipped abroad.
The police have now linked the syndicate to a series of armed robberies in Tarkwa, Kumasi, and other parts of the Ashanti Region, some of which also resulted in fatalities.
IGP Yohuno used the occasion to commend the Ashanti Regional Commander, the Regional Intelligence Team, the Anti-Robbery Unit, and the Cyber Vetting Team for their collaborative effort. He also extended gratitude to the public whose credible information was instrumental to the operation’s success.
“Criminal elements who threaten public safety will be pursued relentlessly,” IGP Yohuno stated.
“We will leave no stone unturned to bring them to justice. We call on residents to continue reporting suspicious activity and credible information to the police.”
The four suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be arraigned before the courts soon. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend any other individuals connected to the syndicate’s activities.
