The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has confirmed that it foiled a planned armed robbery operation along the Antoakrom–Manso Nkwanta stretch following intelligence received about the movements of an armed gang in the area.
According to police, the operation took place on December 31, 2025, after information indicated that a group of suspected robbers had positioned themselves in a bush near the road and were preparing to attack commuters. A police team was deployed to the location to intercept the suspects.
Police say that upon encountering four armed individuals, the suspects opened fire and attempted to flee. Officers returned fire during the encounter. Two of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries, while the remaining two escaped into the bush.
The injured suspects were later identified by police as Usmaro Mohammed and Yaw Frimpong, also known as Nana Yaw. They were transported to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival, according to police.
A search conducted at the scene led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, one pump-action gun loaded with four BB cartridges, four spent cartridges, and a black bag containing 16 live cartridges. Police also impounded a Toyota VOXY vehicle believed to have been used by the suspects in their activities.
In a statement, police said the suspects are believed to be linked to several robbery incidents in parts of the Ashanti and Western North areas, including robberies reported at Manso, Obuasi, Nyinahini, Mpohor, and a cocoa shed at Sefwi. Police stressed that these links are part of ongoing investigations and have not yet been tested in court.
Preliminary investigations have also suggested that the suspects may have operated with accomplices in Mankranso, Tamale, and Brekum. Those individuals are currently at large, and police say efforts are underway to locate and arrest them.
The police noted that investigations are continuing to establish the full scope of the alleged criminal network and to determine the ownership of the impounded vehicle. Authorities reiterated that all allegations remain subject to investigation and that further updates will be provided as inquiries progress.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has urged the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing information that could assist in the arrest of the remaining suspects and enhance safety along major road networks.