Police arrest four key members of notorious carjacking syndicate in Ashanti Region

The Ghana Police Service has arrested four suspected members of a dangerous carjacking syndicate linked to the robbery and murder of Mr. Andrews Amankwah at Ohwim-Amanfrom in Kumasi on February 10, 2026.

In a press release issued by the Ashanti Regional Police Command on February 24, 2026, authorities confirmed that the arrests followed a directive by the Inspector-General of Police for a coordinated, intelligence-led operation.

The exercise involved the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, and the CID Anti-Armed Robbery Unit.

Between February 18 and 22, 2026, four key suspects believed to be members of the so-called “Duku Syndicate” were apprehended in separate operations across Kumasi.

They have been identified as Akwasi Manu, 47, who was arrested for unlawful possession of the deceased’s Samsung mobile phone , a development that reportedly provided a major breakthrough in the investigation.

The other suspects are Bashiru Tanko, also known as “TK,” 33, who was arrested at Atonsu and is linked to previous car-snatching incidents.

Kojo Amponsah, alias “Kamakazi,” 35, was arrested at Hwireso near Boankra and allegedly provided intelligence connecting the group to multiple violent robberies.

Emmanuel Kwame Appiah, also known as “Taller,” 38, was arrested at Danyame and has been identified as the driver during the fatal robbery.

Police further disclosed that the alleged leader of the syndicate, Eric Antwi Duku, 42, sustained gunshot wounds during a police operation on February 22, 2026, and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Exhibits retrieved during the operations include a Bruni Mod 84 pistol loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition, a tracking detection device, forged vehicle documents, and a Toyota Corolla S vehicle which has been impounded.

Investigations indicate that the syndicate specialized in stealing Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser vehicles after conducting surveillance on victims. Police say the group had recently escalated its activities to include the use of lethal force.

The suspects have also been linked to the Amanfrom robbery, a separate fatal robbery at Kronum, and several vehicle theft cases in Tarkwa and Kumasi.

The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be arraigned before court soon. The recovered firearm has been sent for forensic and ballistic examination, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional accomplices.

The Police Service has reiterated its commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks and has urged the public to support law enforcement agencies with credible information to aid ongoing investigations.