The Ghana Police Service has dismantled a suspected armed robbery gang believed to have been operating along the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway in the Ashanti Region following an intelligence-led operation carried out on March 10 and 11, 2026.

The operation, led by the Ashanti South Regional Police Command, resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of firearms and ammunition believed to have been intended for a planned robbery attack. Investigators say the development may also expose a broader illegal arms supply network.

At a press briefing on Thursday, March 12, the Ashanti South Regional Crime Officer, Stephen Antwi, said police acted on credible intelligence that a group of armed men had gathered in a bush near the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway with plans to attack motorists using the route.

According to him, a police team was dispatched to the area at about 11:00 a.m. on March 10 to intercept the suspects.

Upon arrival at the location near Obuasi, officers reportedly sighted about four individuals believed to be armed. Police said the suspects opened fire after noticing the presence of the security team and attempted to flee into the nearby bush.

Officers returned fire, leading to a brief exchange of gunshots. During the confrontation, two of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds while two others managed to escape into the bush despite reportedly being injured.

A search conducted after the incident led to the recovery of several weapons and ammunition from the scene.

Among the items retrieved were an AK-47 assault rifle loaded with 28 rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition and a pump-action gun loaded with five live BB cartridges. Police also recovered eight additional rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition and one spent BB cartridge.

Superintendent Antwi later confirmed that the two injured suspects were identified as David Aheto, 42, originally from Sogakope but residing in Assin Fosu, and Illiasu Bawa, 32, a native of Banda Nkwanta.

The two men were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital for medical treatment but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary pending preservation and autopsy.

Police said follow-up intelligence operations after the initial raid led to the arrest of additional suspects believed to be connected to the robbery gang.

Investigators suspect the arrests could help uncover a wider illegal arms distribution network believed to be operating from the Asawase area in Kumasi.

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command said efforts are ongoing to track down the two suspects who escaped during the exchange of gunfire, as well as any other accomplices linked to the criminal group.

Police have also assured residents and motorists using the Obuasi–Dunkwa highway that patrols and security operations along the corridor will be intensified to prevent further criminal activity.

The public has meanwhile been urged to support the police with credible information that could assist in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in criminal activities within their communities.