Five injured after armed robbers ambush VIP JEOUN coaches in Ghana

Five people were injured by gunfire when armed robbers attacked a VIP JEOUN passenger coach on Ghana’s Accra–Kumasi Highway, in one of two separate incidents involving the transport operator within two hours.

The first and more serious attack happened at about 23:00 on Thursday, 30 July, in the Eastern Region, between Apedwa Junction, Nkronso, Akooko and Akyem Asafo, according to a statement from VIP JEOUN.

The company said the attackers used a vehicle to block the highway, trapping three passenger coaches before beginning what it described as a coordinated robbery operation.

One of the coaches, travelling from Accra to Sunyani, came under heavy gunfire. The driver, his mate and three passengers were all shot and injured.

The victims were taken to hospital for treatment. The driver was later transferred to 37 Military Hospital for specialist care.

Police from the Suhum Division of the Eastern South Regional Police Command responded after receiving a distress call. Officers exchanged fire with the robbers, who fled the scene, and removed the obstruction from the road so traffic could resume.

A second attack took place less than two hours later, at about 01:00 on Friday, when another VIP JEOUN coach was targeted at Potrikrom on the Kumasi–Sunyani Highway.

The robbers reportedly fired at the vehicle, damaging its windscreen. However, an armed security escort travelling with the coach returned fire, forcing the attackers to withdraw before they could rob the passengers or injure anyone.

A police patrol team subsequently arrived and secured the area.

VIP JEOUN said it was continuing to work with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to improve protection along its routes following the two incidents.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of passengers and staff travelling on its coaches.

“VIP JEOUN values the security of passengers and crew on board and remains committed to ensuring hassle-free transportation,” the company said.