Ashanti Region: Police arrest fugitive car snatcher
The suspect, William Opoku, also known as Father Blessing, was picked up at Ahwiaa near Kumasi during an intelligence-led operation by the Ashanti South Regional Police Command.
Police in the Ashanti Region have arrested a suspected member of a car-snatching syndicate linked to several vehicle theft cases in Kumasi and nearby areas.
The suspect, William Opoku, also known as Father Blessing, was picked up at Ahwiaa near Kumasi during an intelligence-led operation by the Ashanti South Regional Police Command.
Police say the operation followed information on hideouts used by members of the alleged syndicate at Ahwiaa and Pankrono.
Two other suspects linked to the group later died after an exchange of gunfire with police.
They have been identified as Suley, also known as Shangu Spirit, and another suspect known as Long Story.
According to police, Opoku admitted during interrogation that he was involved in a number of vehicle thefts.
The cases include the theft of a Toyota Corolla on the Anwiankwanta-Asanso stretch, another Toyota Corolla belonging to a police officer at Pankrono, a Toyota Corolla at Moro Market and a white Toyota Corolla at Anloga Junction.
Police say he later led officers to recover the white Toyota Corolla from a workshop where it was being repaired.
Investigators also linked him to an attack on a police officer at Kronum Brokutu on July 5, 2025.
During that attack, an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition were stolen.
Police say Opoku named other alleged accomplices as Prince, also known as Killer Wooah; Suley, also known as Shangu Spirit; Bonkro, also known as Okoronko; Aki; and Yaw Antwi.
Following his arrest, police carried out another operation on June 17, 2026.
During that operation, officers reportedly spotted Suley, Bonkro and another suspect on an unregistered Honda PCX motorbike.
Police say the rider allegedly knocked down an officer during an attempt to arrest them.
The suspects allegedly opened fire while trying to escape.
Police returned fire, injuring Suley and the suspect identified as Long Story.
Bonkro escaped.
The injured suspects were taken to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival.
Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Police say Suley had been linked to car-snatching and vehicle theft cases at Anwiankwanta-Asanso, Anloga Junction and Moro Market, as well as the attack on the police officer.
Investigators believe the stolen AK-47 rifle may have been kept with Opoku.
Opoku remains in police custody assisting investigations.
Police say efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects and recover the stolen vehicles, rifle and ammunition.
