“We Will Continue to Protect Lives and Property; Keep Supporting Us” – Police Assure Kumasi Residents After Arresting 6 Suspected Robbers
Ashanti Regional Police intensify intelligence-led operations, recover 33 mobile phones and other exhibits while pursuing six wanted suspects.
- Six suspected robbers arrested
- 33 mobile phones recovered
- Six others declared wanted
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has assured residents of Kumasi and surrounding communities of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property following the arrest of six suspected members and associates of an alleged armed robbery syndicate.
The arrests were announced on Monday, August 31, 2026, during a press briefing at the Ashanti Regional Police Command.
Addressing the media, Ashanti Regional Police Commander DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto said the suspects were arrested by the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit, Kumasi, through intelligence-led operations conducted throughout August.
Police investigations have so far linked the suspects to reported street robbery incidents at Kaase, Ahinsan Estate, Santasi New Site, Bronikrom, Kwadaso Estate and other parts of the Ashanti Region.
The suspects have been identified as Philip Nyarko, alias “Kawawa”, 23; Hadi Samed, alias “Toronto”, 20; Issahaku Musah, alias “Isak”, 23; Suraj Mohammed, alias “Baba Nde” or “Trouble”, 27; Hadi Abdul Majeed, alias “Panie”, 23; and Foster Owusu Afriyie, alias “Joe Fraizer”, 45.
33 MOBILE PHONES RECOVERED
Police said a search of the residence of Foster Owusu Afriyie led to the recovery of 33 assorted mobile phones, believed to have been stolen from robbery victims.
Efforts are ongoing to identify the rightful owners of the phones and establish how they came into the suspect’s possession.
At Philip Nyarko’s residence, investigators also recovered a Kawasaki motorcycle, which is suspected to have been used in some of the criminal activities under investigation.
Other exhibits recovered include two machetes, an iPhone 13 and five keypad mobile phones suspected to belong to robbery victims.
SUSPECTED PHONE UNLOCKING ASSOCIATE ARRESTED
Further investigations led to the arrest of Augustine Agyemang Duah, a resident of Adum P.Z., who police suspect assisted members of the alleged syndicate in unlocking stolen mobile phones.
A laptop believed to have been used for the activity was recovered from his residence and retained as an exhibit.
Police also arrested Fatawo Alhassan, alias “2Pac”, and Foster Owusu Afriyie at the Airport Roundabout in Kumasi. The two are suspected of purchasing stolen mobile phones from members of the alleged syndicate.
KNIVES, MACHETES AND MOTORCYCLES RECOVERED
Police said Issahaku Musah, Hadi Abdul Majeed and Hadi Samed were arrested on August 24, 2026, at Atonsu, Aboabo and Asawase respectively.
Searches at their residences resulted in the recovery of knives and machetes suspected to be connected to the reported robberies.
Suraj Mohammed, described by police as a suspected accomplice and leading member of the group, was also arrested at Asawase. Two motorcycles were recovered from his residence and are suspected to have been used in some of the alleged criminal activities.
SOME SUSPECTS HAD EARLIER BEEN ARRESTED
The Regional Police Commander disclosed that Philip Nyarko, Hadi Samed and Abdul Shattar had previously been arrested on December 6, 2025, over alleged conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted robbery.
They were arraigned before the Asokwa Circuit Court 1, where the case remains pending, and were subsequently granted bail.
Police investigations indicate that some of the suspects allegedly resumed criminal activities after their release.
Abdul Shattar is currently at large, with efforts ongoing to locate and arrest him.
SIX OTHERS WANTED
Police have also declared Andy, Umaru, Dauda, Malik, Abdul Shattar and Abdul Farouk wanted in connection with the suspected syndicate.
The Command has appealed to anyone with information about their whereabouts to contact the Police.
Residents have been cautioned against confronting or attempting to arrest the suspects and instead encouraged to provide information to law enforcement.
POLICE VOW TO DISMANTLE CRIMINAL NETWORK
The Ashanti Regional Police Command said investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement, identify other persons connected to the network and recover additional stolen property.
The arrested suspects are expected to be processed for court as police pursue the necessary legal procedures.
The Command said its objective goes beyond arresting individuals, stressing that it is working to dismantle the suspected criminal network, recover stolen property and prevent further attacks on residents.
The Police also urged residents who have lost mobile phones or other valuables during robbery incidents to contact the Command if they identify any of the recovered items.
POLICE THANK SOT FOR SUPPORT
DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto commended the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team (SOT) for its continued operational and investigative support.
He said the collaboration between the SOT and the Ashanti Regional Police Command has strengthened intelligence-led operations and contributed to the detection of crime, arrest of suspects and disruption of organised criminal activities.
The Police assured residents, particularly those in the Kumasi Metropolis, that they remain vigilant and committed to protecting lives and property.
