In a major dawn operation on Friday, the Central North Regional Police Command arrested 100 residents of Assin Wurakese in connection with a violent mob assault on a patient at the Akoti Health Centre.
The operation, involving approximately 85 security personnel, was the culmination of weeks of intelligence gathering following the incident, footage of which circulated widely on social media.
The video showed a group of men storming the facility and attacking Yaw Buabeng, who was there receiving treatment for machete wounds.
Briefing the press, Regional Police Commander Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Abraham Acquaye stated the mass arrests were based on evidence indicating a coordinated mob action.
“All suspects will be screened, and those found culpable will be arraigned before the court,” he said.
DCOP Acquaye explained that preliminary investigations revealed varying levels of involvement among those detained.
While some allegedly participated directly in the attack, others are accused of aiding the perpetrators, failing to prevent the crime, or harbouring suspects.
This large-scale swoop follows three prior arrests linked to the case.
Two individuals, community police assistant Bismark Yeboah and the attack victim, Yaw Buabeng, who is also a suspect in a related assault, have been remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear in court on February 5, 2026.
A third suspect, Daniel Ababio, seen in the viral video allegedly attacking Buabeng with scissors at the health centre, has also been arrested.
Police say Ababio was earlier attacked by Buabeng, an altercation which reportedly triggered the mob violence.
Providing context, DCOP Acquaye said the attack occurred on January 11, 2026, forcing health workers to temporarily abandon their posts.
The violence erupted after an initial clash between Buabeng and a couple, where the parties sustained cutlass wounds.
When Buabeng sought treatment at Akoti Health Centre, a mob from Assin Wurakese allegedly pursued him and carried out the assault.
DCOP Acquaye issued a strong public warning against filming attacks instead of intervening or alerting police, stating such conduct is unlawful.
He also condemned mob justice, vowing the police would not tolerate such violence.
The Regional Commander assured that the investigation would proceed without interference.
“The Police Command will not bow to pressure from politicians, traditional authorities, or any influential persons. The law will be applied without fear or favour,” he emphasized.
