Guns, Others Retrieve in Nationwide Operation
TNR Files
The Ghana Police Service has conducted a series of intelligence-led operations across the country, resulting in dozens of arrests, the recovery of multiple firearms, and the disruption of suspected robbery syndicates, Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohunu announced on Monday.
The operations, based on credible intelligence gathered from various regions, targeted organised criminal networks operating across several jurisdictions.
In a significant development, police have arrested Abraham Awendok, 32, in connection with the disappearance and alleged murder of Dr Jesse Amoah and his wife Elizabeth Amwa Esi, who were reported missing in April 2016.
Awendok, formerly employed by the couple as an “airline boy”, allegedly murdered them before fleeing with their mobile phones, money, and vehicle to the United Arab Emirates. Following an Interpol Red Notice, he was deported to Ghana on August 30 and has reportedly admitted to the crime during interrogation.
The couple’s remains have been recovered and transported to the Police Hospital for preservation and autopsy.
In the Greater Accra Region, police disrupted a sophisticated syndicate that had been monitoring bank customers after withdrawals and using master keys to access their vehicles. The group was linked to a GH¢50,000 robbery in Tema Community 2 on May 17.
An operation in Labone on August 13 successfully prevented a planned attack. During the operation, two suspects were shot, one escaped, and another was arrested. A search of a Toyota Highlander yielded a pistol and 13 vehicle registration plates. One suspect, 49-year-old Augustine Okechukwu Mazi, has been remanded.
In the Western Region, operations targeted a gang allegedly responsible for attacks on gold dealer shops, mining sites, and communities around Wasa Akropong, Diaso, Dome, Abufo Camp, and Demaso. Five suspects were arrested, one died during the exchange, and police recovered three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, 357 rounds of ammunition, and two vehicles.
In the Northern Region, three suspects were arrested regarding armed robberies in Bupe, Tamale, and Mion. They are believed to be linked to the robbery and murder of a mobile money vendor at Fufusu, near Damango Junction. Police also reported the death of Alaji Moro Beliko, alleged mastermind behind the robbery of two mobile money vendors at the Bupe Cartel Market on June 29, where GH¢130,000 was stolen.
Separate operations conducted between June and July led to the arrest of five more suspects and the recovery of eight AK-47 assault rifles, an SMG rifle, and two foreign pistols. The suspects have been remanded, with the case adjourned to Tuesday, September 8.
The IGP commended the officers for their bravery and thanked the public for providing vital intelligence. He also highlighted the impact of government support, noting that “the provision of armoured vehicles, especially the pickups, has been instrumental in our successes.”
Efforts to apprehend other suspects still at large are ongoing, the IGP confirmed.