The Bono Regional Police Command has announced a major breakthrough against armed robbery syndicates operating within the region, leading to the arrest and arraignment of seven suspects allegedly involved in a series of robberies and other related crimes.
The arrests followed sustained intelligence-led operations targeting multiple criminal gangs. Three suspects—Johnson Amponsah Kwame Diawuo (47, ex-convict), Shadrach Owusu (25), and Kwafo Samuel (30, ex-convict)—were arrested in connection with a foiled robbery attempt on the Berekum-Drobo Road on November 18, 2025. Investigations established Diawuo as the leader and mastermind of a five-member gang, with Owusu and Samuel confessing their involvement in that attack and admitting to several other robberies, including attacks in the Nkaseim area of the Ahafo Region. A search of Diawuo’s hideout at Nyamennae, Berekum, yielded Indian hemp, two motorcycle helmets, and two machetes.
In a separate operation, the Regional Police Intelligence team dismantled another criminal gang, arresting suspects Latif Mustapha (28, known as Star Boy) and Mosby Owusu (20) at Domfete, Berekum. Latif Mustapha was arrested after attempting to evade officers by hiding in the ceiling of his residence. A search of his room led to the seizure of a full military camouflage uniform and jacket, a military boot, a black Cruxnut Glock toy gun, live and spent soft foam bullets, a taser, pepper spray, various knives, several talismans and war regalia, and items suspected to be stolen or linked to illicit activity, including laptops and suspected cannabis-laced toffee.
Further investigations uncovered a Parabellum Model R-9 Hungarian pistol loaded with two rounds of 9mm ammunition, which was concealed in Mosby Owusu’s single room. The weapon was reportedly sold to Mosby Owusu by Latif Mustapha for GHS 9000.00, though Mustapha allegedly continued to take temporary custody of it. The original owner of the pistol, Kwabena Agon Azubilla Akalotey (18), has also been arrested and is on remand for stealing.
Additionally, police arrested Kofi Iddrisa (45) and Baba Kumi Foster (35) at Ewiakrom near Nkrankwanta for the dishonest receipt of stolen motorcycles and tricycles, which they allegedly facilitated the conveyance of to neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire. Three motorcycles and one tricycle were retrieved from them.
On December 2, 2025, Diawuo, Owusu, and Samuel were arraigned before the Fiapre Circuit Court on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and attempt to commit robbery and were remanded into police custody to reappear on December 22, 2025. On the same day, Latif Mustapha and Mosby Owusu were arraigned before the Sunyani District Court B on charges including illicit trafficking and possession of firearms, and possession of military uniforms, and were also remanded to reappear on December 15, 2025. Iddrisa and Foster were granted police enquiry bail pending further investigation into the charge of dishonestly receiving.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr. Joshua Coppson Esq., the Bono Regional Police Commander, assured the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest remaining accomplices and recover other illicit weapons. He called on the public to assist the police with credible information to enhance safety and security across the region.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
