The Ghana Police Service has intensified operations against suspected armed robbery gangs targeting gold dealers, mining sites and communities, arresting five suspects and recovering three AK-47 assault rifles and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
The arrests followed a series of intelligence-led operations conducted between August and September 4, 2026, across parts of the Ashanti and Western regions.
Police also recovered 357 rounds of ammunition, five magazines and two vehicles during the operations, while another suspect, identified as 40-year-old Seidu Salifu, died in the course of the operations.
The Police said the suspected gang had been operating across several locations, including Wassa Akropong, Diaso, Dome, Abofour Camp and the Manso enclave, where gold dealers and mining communities were allegedly targeted.
Those arrested include 33-year-old Clinton Mawuli, Richmond Mensah, alias Master Abey, Daniel Sarfo, alias Abedi, Prince Duker and another suspect.
Police said Salifu, who was linked to previous robbery incidents around Sakam near Offinso, was already facing trial at the Nsuta Circuit Court over an alleged robbery involving gold bullion at Offinso Abofour in July 2025.
The security operation also extended to the Western Region, where the Police arrested four suspects in connection with the robbery and murder of 40-year-old gold buyer Seth Kobina at Agona Fie near Agona Nkwanta.
The suspects, arrested during an operation on August 21, include 47-year-old Christopher Seyiri, alias “Cross and Die”, 20-year-old Bashiru Ibrahim, 30-year-old Thomas Odoom, alias “Wale”, and Isaac Quayeson, alias “Last Burial”.
Quayeson was arrested at Denkyira Kwaboso in the Western North Region.
Two locally manufactured pistols, five live BB cartridges, a metal bar and two cutlasses were recovered from the suspects, according to the Police.
The latest operations form part of efforts by the Police to disrupt armed groups believed to be preying on gold dealers and mining communities, where security concerns have persisted.
The Service has subsequently deployed special teams to affected communities to strengthen security and prevent further attacks.
The Police said the deployment is also intended to restore confidence among residents, traders and other community members and enable them to conduct their daily activities without fear.
Investigations into the various incidents and the activities of the suspected gangs are continuing.
