Police arrest suspected car-snatching kingpin as two alleged gang members die in shootout

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a notorious car-snatching syndicate believed to be behind a series of vehicle thefts across the Ashanti Region, while two of his alleged accomplices were killed during a police operation.

The suspect, identified as William Opoku, also known as “Father Blessing,” was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation at Ahwiaa near Kumasi on June 18, 2026.

According to the Ghana Police Service, investigations led officers to hideouts allegedly used by members of the criminal network in Ahwiaa and Pankrono.

Police say Opoku admitted during interrogation to participating in several vehicle theft operations within the Kumasi metropolis.

The syndicate has been linked to the theft of multiple Toyota Corolla vehicles, including one stolen on the Anwiankwanta–Asanso road, another belonging to a police officer at Pankrono, one at Moro Market, and a white Toyota Corolla stolen at Anloga Junction.

Investigators later recovered the white Toyota Corolla after the suspect reportedly directed officers to a workshop where the vehicle was undergoing repairs.

The police further disclosed that Opoku allegedly confessed to involvement in an attack on a police officer at Kronum Brokutu on July 5, 2025.

During that incident, an AK-47 rifle and ammunition were stolen. Authorities believe the weapon may have remained in the possession of members of the gang.

During questioning, Opoku reportedly identified several alleged accomplices, including individuals known by the aliases Prince “Killer Wooah,” Suley “Shangu Spirit,” Bonkro “Okoronko,” Aki, and Yaw Antwi.

In a follow-up operation on June 17, police tracked three suspects travelling on an unregistered Honda PCX motorbike. According to police accounts, the rider allegedly knocked down an officer while attempting to escape and subsequently opened fire on the security team.

Officers returned fire, critically injuring two suspects identified as Suley and another man known as “Long Story.” A third suspect, Bonkro, reportedly escaped during the exchange.

The injured suspects were transported to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital mortuary pending autopsy and further investigations.

Police believe Suley was connected to several major vehicle theft cases in the region, including incidents at Anwiankwanta-Asanso, Anloga Junction, Moro Market, and the attack on the police officer at Kronum Brokutu.

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining suspects, recover stolen vehicles, and retrieve the missing AK-47 rifle and ammunition believed to be linked to the gang’s operations.

POLICE ARREST WANTED CAR SNATCHING SUSPECT

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has arrested a suspect wanted in connection with a series of car snatching robberies and vehicle thefts in the Ashanti Region. pic.twitter.com/E7g1MWV34c

— Ghana Police Service (@GhPoliceService) June 18, 2026

Yaw Opoku Amoako

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