Ashanti Police arrest suspected robbery syndicate

Police in the Ashanti Region have arrested six persons believed to be linked to an organised robbery syndicate operating in Kumasi and other parts of the region.

The suspects were arrested in August 2026 during intelligence-led operations carried out by the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit in Kumasi.

They have been named as Philip Nyarko, also known as Kawawa, 23; Hadi Samed, also known as Toronto, 20; Issahaku Musah, also known as Isak, 23; Suraj Mohammed, also known as Baba Nde or Trouble, 27; Hadi Abdul Majeed, also known as Panie, 23; and Foster Owusu Afriyie, also known as Joe Fraizer, 45.

Ashanti Regional Police Commander, COP Osei Authur, said preliminary investigations have connected the suspects to several reported street robberies in the region.

The affected areas include Kaase, Ahinsan Estate, Santasi New Site, Bronikrom, Kwadaso Estate and other communities.

Police say a Kawasaki motorcycle was found at the residence of Philip Nyarko.

Investigators suspect the motorcycle may have been used in some of the robberies under investigation.

Two machetes, an iPhone 13 and five keypad mobile phones suspected to belong to robbery victims were also recovered.

Police said further investigations led to the arrest of Augustine Agyemang Duah, a resident of Adum P.Z.

He is suspected of helping members of the alleged syndicate to unlock mobile phones believed to have been stolen.

A laptop suspected to have been used for that activity was recovered from his residence and kept as an exhibit.

On August 24, police also arrested Issahaku Musah, Hadi Abdul Majeed and Hadi Samed at Atonsu, Aboabo and Asawase respectively.

Searches at their residences led to the recovery of knives and machetes suspected to be linked to the reported robberies.

Police later arrested Fatawo Alhassan, also known as 2Pac, and Foster Owusu Afriyie at the Airport Roundabout in Kumasi.

The two are suspected of buying stolen mobile phones from members of the alleged syndicate.

A search at Afriyie’s residence led to the recovery of 33 assorted mobile phones.

Police said efforts are underway to identify the owners of the phones and establish how they came into the suspects’ possession.

Suraj Mohammed, described by police as an alleged accomplice and leading member of the suspected syndicate, was also arrested at Asawase.

Two motorcycles were retrieved from his residence.

Police suspect they may have been used in some of the criminal activities under investigation.

The Command said Philip Nyarko, Hadi Samed and another suspect, Abdul Shattar, had previously been arrested on December 6, 2025, for conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted robbery.

They were arraigned before the Asokwa Circuit Court 1, where the case remains pending, and were later granted bail.

According to police, investigations suggest that some of the suspects allegedly returned to criminal activities after their release.

Abdul Shattar is currently at large.

Police are also pursuing six other persons believed to be connected to the suspected syndicate.

They have been identified only as Andy, Umaru, Dauda, Malik, Abdul Shattar and Abdul Farouk.

The public has been urged to assist police with information on their whereabouts but has been cautioned not to confront or attempt to arrest any suspect.

The Regional Police Command said investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement, recover additional stolen property and identify other persons connected to the alleged network.

The arrested suspects are expected to be processed for court.

Police also urged persons who may have lost mobile phones or other items during robbery incidents to contact the Command if they recognise any of the recovered exhibits.

The Command commended the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team for supporting the operation.

It said the collaboration had strengthened intelligence-led policing and helped in the detection of crime and arrest of suspects in the region.

Police assured residents, especially those within the Kumasi Metropolis, that they remain committed to protecting lives and property.

They also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, vehicles, motorcycles and activities.