The Ghana Police Service has announced a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the Mpohor gold shop robbery, after recovering weapons, ammunition, clothing and other items believed to be linked to the suspects involved.

The recovery followed intensified anti-robbery operations in parts of the Ashanti Region, where police patrol teams have stepped up surveillance in the wake of a string of violent robberies targeting gold dealers and traders.

According to police reports, officers from the Kuntanase District intercepted a suspicious white Toyota Sienna along the Aputuoagya–Bekwai road during a night patrol.

Two men, who were standing by the vehicle, bolted into the bush upon sighting the approaching police team, abandoning the car.

A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of an AK-47 assault rifle, a locally manufactured pistol, two AK-47 magazines each loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, additional packets of live cartridges, cowrie shells, a Huawei smartphone, identification documents, and a collection of clothing, including hooded tops and wellington boots.

Investigators say a preliminary analysis of the recovered exhibits, when compared with CCTV footage of the Mpohor gold robbery, showed a striking similarity between the seized clothing items and those worn by the armed robbers during the attack.

The Mpohor robbery, which occurred weeks ago in the Western Region, sent shockwaves through the community after a gang of armed men stormed a gold shop in broad daylight, brandishing weapons and making away with an undisclosed amount of gold and cash.

The incident fueled public anxiety about rising insecurity in gold-producing communities and placed additional pressure on law enforcement agencies to track down the perpetrators.

Police sources indicate that the exhibits are now central to the investigation and will undergo further forensic analysis.

Meanwhile, a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the suspects who abandoned the vehicle, with joint security operations currently sweeping hotspots across the country.

The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to dismantling armed robbery gangs and restoring public confidence.

“The recovery of these items is a significant step in unmasking those behind the Mpohor robbery,” a police spokesperson said, adding that “every possible lead is being pursued to ensure the culprits face justice.”

Residents in the Mpohor and adjoining districts have welcomed the news, but remain on edge as investigations continue.