The Volta Regional Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 191 suspects, including 190 men and one woman, during a dawn joint police-military operation at Ehi and its surrounding communities in the Ketu North Municipality.
The large-scale swoop, carried out early Wednesday, followed a recent mob attack on police officers and the vandalisation of the Ehi Police Station.
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Speaking at a press briefing in Ho, Chief Inspector Francis Gomado, Public Relations Officer of the Volta Regional Police Command, said the operation was launched in direct response to the violent incident.
“On November 5, the Regional Police Command issued a press release concerning the mob attack at Ehi. In response, a swoop was organized this dawn to apprehend suspected perpetrators. As we speak, we have 191 suspects in custody,” he said.
He noted that some individuals believed to be connected to the assault had fled the community and that security agencies were pursuing leads to locate and arrest them.
“It clearly means they have questions to answer. We couldn’t get them today, but we are on the lookout and will get them soon,” he added.
Peaceful operation and ongoing screening
Chief Inspector Gomado described the exercise as peaceful, emphasising that the arrested suspects were being screened to identify those directly linked to the attack.
“At the end of the screening, the number will be pruned down, and appropriate charges will be filed against those found culpable,” he said.
During the mob incident, two police vehicles, office equipment, and other property were destroyed and set ablaze, resulting in heavy losses for the police service.
He disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) was taking steps to retool and redeploy personnel to the Ehi Police Station to restore order and boost security presence in the area.
Community urged to cooperate with police
Chief Inspector Gomado appealed to residents to regard the police as partners in peace and safety, not adversaries.
“Security officers are not enemies. They are posted to protect your lives and property. Attacking them endangers your own safety because if they cannot protect themselves, how can they protect you?” he cautioned.
He warned that future attacks on security officers would not be tolerated, adding that offenders would face full legal consequences.
Meanwhile, he revealed that three police officers, including the Ehi District Commander, who sustained injuries during the attack, had been treated and discharged. One civilian suspect remains under police guard at St. Anthony Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
Earlier, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) issued a statement, signed by Naval Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, confirming that joint police-military operations were ongoing in the Volta, Ashanti, and Ahafo Regions.
The operation, according to the GAF, forms part of a broader initiative to address recent violent attacks on security personnel and state officials performing lawful duties across the country.
