Eight Arrested Over Alleged Street Gambling Scam In Kumasi
The Ghana Police Service has arrested eight persons in the Ashanti Region for allegedly engaging in fraudulent street gambling activities aimed at deceiving unsuspecting members of the public.
The suspects were picked up on Sunday, March 2, 2026, at Adehyeaman, a suburb of Kumasi, following an intelligence-led operation by the Ashanti Regional Command.
In a statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, Head of the Public Affairs Unit, the Command disclosed that it received information about a group of young men who had converged in the area to operate illegal gambling schemes disguised as legitimate street games.
According to police, the suspects allegedly lured passersby and residents to participate in the games with the promise of easy winnings. However, victims reportedly lost significant sums of money, with some also being robbed of their personal belongings in the process.
Acting on the intelligence, officers from the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) were deployed to the scene, where they arrested the suspects while they were allegedly carrying out the unlawful activities.
The suspects have been identified as Akwasi Atakari, 36; Mandela Peprah, 31; Ernest Oduro, 28; Joseph Odoom, 31; Augustine Agyeman, 24; Eric Addo, 33; Dorcas Atanga, 22; and Agnes Baser, 21.
Police retrieved a total of GH¢15,260 during the operation, believed to be proceeds from the suspected criminal enterprise. The amount has been kept as an exhibit to support ongoing investigations.
The suspects have since been cautioned and their statements taken. They remain in police custody and are expected to be arraigned before court soon.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has urged the public to be vigilant and avoid participating in street gambling or similar unsolicited games, especially those organized by unknown individuals in open spaces.
The Command warned that such schemes are often carefully orchestrated to defraud unsuspecting victims under the guise of entertainment or quick financial gain.
Residents have also been encouraged to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or call the emergency numbers 191 or 18555.
Police say the arrests form part of intensified efforts to clamp down on fraudulent activities and ensure safety across Kumasi and its surrounding communities.
