Four Arrested as Police Crack Carjacking Syndicate in Kumasi

Police Arrest Four in Kumasi Over Deadly Carjacking Syndicate Linked to Multiple Robberies

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested four key members of a notorious carjacking syndicate believed to be behind a series of violent robberies and vehicle thefts in Kumasi and its surrounding areas.

The arrests follow intensive investigations into the robbery and murder of Mr. Andrews Amankwah, which occurred on 10 February 2026 at Ohwim-Amamfrom in Kumasi. According to the police, the breakthrough was achieved through coordinated, intelligence-led operations ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.

In a press release issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, the police said the operation involved officers from the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, and the CID Anti-Armed Robbery Unit.

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Between 18 and 22 February 2026, four suspects believed to be core members of the criminal network, popularly known as the “Duku Syndicate,” were arrested in separate operations across Kumasi.

The suspects include 47-year-old Akwasi Manu, who was arrested for unlawful possession of the deceased victim’s Samsung mobile phone. Police say the phone provided critical leads that significantly advanced the investigation. Another suspect, Bashiru Tanko, also known as “TK,” aged 33, was arrested at Atonsu in Kumasi and has been linked to earlier car-snatching incidents in the city.

Kojo Amponsah, popularly called “Kamakazi,” aged 35, was arrested at Hwireso near Boankra. Police intelligence links him to multiple violent robberies carried out by the syndicate. The fourth suspect, Emmanuel Kwame Appiah, alias “Taller,” aged 38, was arrested at Danyame in Kumasi and has been identified as the driver used by the gang during the fatal robbery that led to Mr. Amankwah’s death.

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

Several exhibits were retrieved during the operation, including a Bruni Mod 84 pistol loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition, a tracking detection device, forged vehicle documents, and a Toyota Corolla S, which has since been impounded by the police.

Investigations have revealed that the syndicate specialized in stealing Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser vehicles after conducting surveillance on their victims. Police say the group had recently escalated its operations to the use of lethal force. The gang has been linked to the Amamfrom robbery, another fatal robbery at Kronum, and multiple vehicle thefts in Tarkwa and Kumasi.

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The suspects, who had previously evaded arrest and were wanted by the Western Central Regional Police Command, are currently in police custody and are expected to be arraigned before court soon. The recovered firearm is undergoing forensic and ballistic examination, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other accomplices connected to the network.

The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks across the country and has assured the public that all perpetrators involved in such crimes will be brought to justice. The police have also called on the public to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by providing credible and timely information.