A joint police operation has resulted in the arrest of eight suspected armed robbers and the death of one following a highway attack on a passenger minibus in the Ashanti North Region.
According to a police statement issued on March 31, 2026, the suspects were intercepted on March 30 at the Amakwa Dadey Hotel in Ejura while reportedly sharing GH¢15,717 in cash, believed to be proceeds from the robbery.
One suspect died after he fled, attacked an officer with a cutlass, and attempted to seize the officer’s service weapon.
The initial robbery occurred on March 26, 2026, at about 3:30 pm at Aframso Bridge along the Mampong-Ejura road.
Six-armed men ambushed a Ssangyong minibus with registration number AS-1859-12, which was transporting 14 passengers from Kumasi to Atebubu.
Victims were robbed of cash and mobile phones.
Following the attack, the Ashanti North Regional Police Command gathered intelligence and launched surveillance, with support from the National Operations Directorate Surveillance Unit in Accra.
Acting on the intelligence, the joint team moved to the hotel in Ejura at about 3:20 pm on March 30, where they found the suspects sharing the money.
Seven suspects were arrested at the scene: Amidu Sajo, 42, Ibrahim Sule, 36, Karim Hadu, 40, Malik Jibrilla, 38, Yusifa Asakoko, 23, Umaru Issifu, 20, and Damani Yamba, 36.
The eighth suspect, Ibrahim Iddrisu, also known as Bule, 43, attempted to flee upon sighting the police.
During the pursuit, he attacked an officer with a cutlass and tried to seize the officer’s rifle. He was shot in the left leg and arm.
Iddrisu was initially taken to Mampong Government Hospital and later referred to Jamasi Pope John Paul Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a medical officer.
Police said he had been on their wanted list since 2023 in connection with a previous robbery on the same road, and was also wanted by the Atebubu Police Command for related offences.
Items recovered during the operation include two live AK-47 rounds, three cutlasses, GH¢15,717 in cash, eight mobile phones, a talisman, an ID card, and a side bag.
The seven arrested suspects are in police custody, assisting with investigations.
Iddrisu’s body has been deposited at the Mampong Government Hospital morgue.
Ashanti North Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Felix Apedo, said the operation is ongoing, with further arrests and recovery of weapons anticipated.
“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” ACP Apedo said.
