6 May 2025 | Accra, Ghana
Ghana Police Service Unveils Details of High-Profile Cases, Highlights Interagency Collaboration
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service today provided critical updates on three major cases, including the rescue of two Ghanaian women kidnapped in Nigeria, the recovery of Chinese sailors abducted by pirates, and the arrest of suspects connected to a mass murder in the Eastern Region.
- Kidnapping of Ghanaian Women in Nigeria
In a coordinated operation with the Nigeria Police Force and Ghana’s National Signals Bureau, two Ghanaian women—Anastasia Badu and Evelyn Serwah Kunadu—were rescued after being kidnapped on 22 April 2025. The victims had been lured to Nigeria through a Facebook romance scam, where suspects posing as “white men” promised marriage proposals.
Key Details:
- Suspects Arrested: Eight individuals (five in Ghana, three in Nigeria) were apprehended, including mobile money agents and a telecom employee who facilitated SIM card fraud to receive ransom payments.
- Ransom Demands: The kidnappers demanded 500,000 Ghana cedis (approximately \$40,000) per victim, with partial payments made via mobile money.
- Brutality: Victims were stripped, assaulted, and threatened in videos sent to their families.
Deputy Commissioner Lydia Yako-Donko praised the cross-border collaboration and urged the public to exercise caution online: “Do not believe everything you see or read on social media. Report suspicious activity immediately.”
Video: Credit Ghana Police TV
- Pirate Attack and Rescue of Chinese Crew
On 27 March 2025, pirates attacked the fishing vessel MV MENGXIN 1 off Ghana’s coast, kidnapping three Chinese crew members. The victims were blindfolded, transported to Nigeria’s Delta Region, and abandoned on 25 April before being rescued.
Investigation Highlights:
- Four suspects, including a boatswain and engineers, are currently in custody.
- The Ghana Navy, Marine Police, and international partners supported the operation.
- Eastern Region Mass Murder
Five men were killed in a shootout at Asiyaw, near Akwane-Dobro, Nsawam, Eastern Region on 29 April, reportedly linked to a dispute over illegal sand mining. Five suspects, including Samuel Atsu Forson (alias “Alanyo”), were arrested. A separate police stop-and-search operation in the Western Region led to the seizure of firearms believed to be linked to the same gang.
Public Advisory
The CID warned of rising transnational crimes and emphasized the importance of vigilance on social media platforms. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities promptly. Psychological support is being arranged for the rescued victims, who will soon return to Ghana.
“Wherever you commit a crime, the Ghana Police Service will hunt you down,” declared Yako-Donko, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to justice.
