By Daniel Donkor
The Bono Regional Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on armed robbery and organized criminal activity, following a series of coordinated intelligence-led operations across the region and neighbouring communities.
Addressing the media, the Bono Regional Police Commander, DCOP Joshua Coppson, said the operations led to the arrest of several notorious suspects linked to multiple robberies, firearm offences, and the trafficking of stolen motorcycles and tricycles to Côte d’Ivoire.
Foiled Robbery on Berekum–Drobo Road
Police investigations revealed that on 18 November 2025, a five-member gang attempted to rob travellers on the Berekum–Drobo road. Swift intervention by a Police Patrol Team foiled the attack.
The suspects identified as key members of the gang are Johnson Amponsah Kwame Diawuo, 47, an ex-convict alleged to be the ringleader; Kwafo Samuel, 30; and Shadrach Owusu, also known as “Shark,” 25. During interrogations, Kwafo and Shadrach reportedly confessed to the attempted robbery and pointed to Amponsah Diawuo as the mastermind. They further admitted involvement in several robbery attacks in the Nkaseim enclave in the Ahafo Region.
Targeted intelligence led police to arrest Amponsah Diawuo at his hideout in Nyamennae, a suburb of Berekum. A search of his room uncovered quantities of Indian hemp, two motorcycle helmets, and two machetes—all retained as evidence.
Second Phase: Arrest of Another Armed Gang
In another intelligence-led swoop, the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) arrested Latif Mustapha, alias “Star Boy,” 28, and Mosby Owusu, 20, at Domfete in Berekum.
Latif attempted to evade arrest by hiding in the ceiling of his room but was captured after a meticulous search. A third suspect, Kwabena Agon Azubilla Akalotey, 18—believed to be the original owner of a recovered pistol—was already on remand for an unrelated theft case.
A search of Latif’s room yielded an alarming assortment of prohibited items, including a full set of military camouflage uniform, a military jacket, a Taser, a toy Glock gun, pepper spray, talismans, knives, soft foam bullets, military boots, laptops, and suspected cannabis-laced toffees.
Further investigations uncovered a Parabellum Model R-9 Hungarian pistol loaded with two rounds of 9mm ammunition in the room of Mosby Owusu. Police say Latif allegedly sold the weapon to Mosby for GH₵9,000, but still maintained frequent access to it.
Arrests Linked to Cross-Border Trafficking
Police also arrested Kofi Iddrisa, 45, and Baba Kumi Foster, 35, at Ewiakrom near Nkrankwanta, for their alleged involvement in receiving stolen motorcycles and tricycles and facilitating their transport across the border to Côte d’Ivoire. Three motorcycles and a tricycle were retrieved.
Suspects Arraigned in Court
On 2 December 2025, suspects Amponsah Diawuo, Shadrach Owusu, and Kwafo Samuel were arraigned before the Fiapre Circuit Court on charges of conspiracy and attempted robbery. They were remanded by Her Worship Akua Adoma Addae to reappear on 22 December 2025.
On the same day, suspects Latif Mustapha and Mosby Owusu appeared before the Sunyani District Court B, charged with illicit trafficking and possession of firearms, as well as unlawful possession of military uniforms. Her Worship Eric Daning remanded them to reappear on 15 December 2025.
Suspects Iddrisa and Foster have been granted police enquiry bail pending further investigations.
Police Appeal for Public Cooperation
DCOP Coppson assured the public that efforts are underway to arrest other accomplices who remain at large and to retrieve additional illicit weapons.
“We call on the good people of the Bono Region to support our efforts with credible information. Together, we can ensure lasting safety and security for our communities,” he said.
The Bono Regional Police Command reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and maintaining law and order across the region.
