Police Smash Kumasi Robbery Gang

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has smashed an organised armed robbery syndicate allegedly terrorising residents in parts of the Kumasi Metropolis, arresting six suspected members.

The suspects, including a 45-year-old man, were picked up by the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit in August following intelligence-led operations.

They have been identified as Philip Nyarko, alias “Kawawa,” 23; Hadi Samed, alias “Toronto,” 20; Issahaku Musah, alias “Isak,” 23; Suraj Mohammed, alias “Baba Nde,” 27; Hadi Abdul Majeed, alias “Panie,” 23; and Foster Owusu Afriyie, alias “Joe Fraizer,” 45.

Briefing the media at the M.A. Alhassan Conference Room yesterday, Monday, August 31, 2026, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander said preliminary investigations had linked the suspects to several street robbery incidents in the region.

The incidents, according to the Commander, occurred at Kaase, Ahinsan Estate, Santasi New Site, Bronikrom, Kwadaso Estate and other locations.

Exhibits

The police retrieved a Kawasaki motorbike, two machetes, an iPhone 13 and five keypad mobile phones from the residence of Nyarko, alias “Kawawa.”

The Commander also disclosed that Augustine Agyemang Duah was arrested at Adum P.Z. for allegedly assisting the syndicate to unlock stolen mobile phones.

Another suspect, Fatawo Alhassan, alias “2Pac,” was also arrested for allegedly buying stolen phones.

Thirty-three assorted mobile phones were subsequently recovered from the residence of Foster Owusu Afriyie, alias “Joe Fraizer.”

Repeat Offenders

The Commander disclosed that three of the suspects had previously been arrested in December 2025 for robbery and arraigned before the Asokwa Circuit Court 1.

They were granted bail but allegedly returned to their criminal activities after their release.

He said investigations were continuing to establish the full extent of the syndicate’s activities and identify other persons connected to the robberies.

Six At Large

The Commander further revealed that six other suspected accomplices, including one Abdul Shattar, were still at large.

He appealed to members of the public to assist the police with credible information that could lead to the arrest of the wanted suspects.

He, however, cautioned the public against confronting the suspects, urging anyone with information to report to the police immediately.