The Ashanti South Regional Police Command successfully foiled a planned robbery along the Antoakrom–Manso Nkwanta stretch on December 31, 2025, following a high-stakes intelligence-led operation. Acting on reports that a gang had gathered in a nearby bush to prepare for an attack on commuters, a police team deployed to the area and was met with gunfire from four armed suspects. In the ensuing shootout, two suspects, identified as Usmaro Mohammed and Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Yaw, sustained fatal gunshot wounds, while two other accomplices managed to escape into the surrounding bush.
Following the confrontation, a search of the scene resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of weaponry, including an AK-47 rifle loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, a pump-action gun with four BB cartridges, and a black bag containing 16 live cartridges. Officers also impounded a Toyota VOXY vehicle, which is believed to have been utilized by the gang for their criminal activities. The two injured suspects were transported to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the deceased suspects were part of a broader criminal network responsible for several major robberies in the Manso and Obuasi areas, including the Mpohor gold robbery and the Nyinahini highway robbery. Police have established that the gang operated with accomplices based in Mankranso, Tamale, and Brekum who are currently at large. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects and are working to determine the legal ownership of the seized vehicle as the investigation continues.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
