Police in the Ashanti Region have fatally shot two suspected carjackers and arrested one other during a series of intelligence-led operations targeting a notorious vehicle theft ring.
The suspect, William Opoku, also known as Father Blessing, was taken into custody on Wednesday at Ahwiaa near Tafo following an operation that also identified gang hideouts at Ahwiaa and Pankrono.
A police statement issued on Thursday said Opoku confessed to multiple vehicle thefts, including the hijacking of a Toyota Corolla on the Anwiankwanta-Asanso-Bekwai road, another belonging to a policeman at Pankrono, and two other Corollas at Moro Market and Anloga Junction.
He subsequently led investigators to a workshop where one of the stolen vehicles was being repaired, leading to its recovery.
Police further alleged that Opoku admitted involvement in the July 2025 attack on a police officer at Kronum Brokutu, during which an AK-47 rifle and ammunition were stolen.
Following Opoku’s arrest, police mounted a second operation on June 17, 2026, during which officers tracked down two of his alleged accomplices, identified as Suley and another suspect known as Long Story, riding an unregistered motorbike.
Police said the rider knocked down an officer and opened fire while attempting to flee.
Officers returned fire, fatally wounding both suspects. A third gang member, Bonkro, escaped.
The two injured suspects were pronounced dead on arrival at the Bekwai Municipal Hospital.
Their bodies have been deposited at the mortuary.
Opoku remains in custody as investigations continue.
Police say efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects and recover the stolen AK-47 rifle.
