Ashanti Police launch major crackdown; arrest drug lord, capture murder suspect after nine years

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has intensified its crackdown on crime, arresting multiple suspects linked to armed robbery, drug trafficking, and a long-wanted murder suspect in a series of targeted operations.

In a swift response on 8 May, police patrol teams arrested three young men—Umar Issah, 26; Sherif Mohammed, 20; and Abdul Jalilu, 19—after they allegedly robbed two residents at gunpoint in Kenyasi. The suspects, who were using motorbikes, reportedly stole mobile phones before being intercepted by officers.

Sherif Mohammed sustained a gunshot wound during the pursuit, while the other two suspects suffered minor injuries. All three are receiving medical attention under police guard at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

Drug Trafficking Suspect Arrested

In another operation on 10 May, the Airport District Police Command apprehended 29-year-old Adam Mohamed for allegedly engaging in narcotics trafficking at Aboabo No.1.

The arrest took place around 10:00 p.m. during a special operation targeting drug peddlers. Police recovered packs of tramadol, 50 empty cartons used for packaging, and an amount of GHS 66,950.00 from the suspect’s residence.

Murder Suspect Arrested After Nine Years

In a major breakthrough, the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) captured Michael Owusu Ansah, also known as Baby Last, a suspect wanted since 2016 for the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel during a robbery at Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso.

Owusu Ansah’s arrest led to the capture of four accomplices—Emmanuel Owusu (Cassidy), Maxwell Gyimah (Nana Kwame), Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah (The Man Sudais), and Rhano Okyere (Demon). A fifth suspect, known only as Abedi, remains at large.

The suspects have been charged and arraigned but remanded in custody by the Atasomanso Circuit Court, pending their next hearing on 4 June.

Ashanti Regional Police Spokesperson DSP Godwin Ahianyo provided these updates during a press conference on Wednesday (14 May). He assured that the police remain committed to protect life and property.

Commendation

Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has praised security agencies for their recent anti-drug operation in Kumasi, which led to the arrest of a suspected key drug trafficker.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr. Mubarak described the crackdown as a decisive step in the fight against drug trafficking, which he said is destroying the youth and fueling crime in the region.

“I commend the security agencies for this decisive action. Let’s work together to rid Kumasi of drug trafficking, which is destroying our youth and fueling crime,” he stated in a Facebook post.

The Interior Minister also called on the public to support the ongoing anti-drug efforts by providing credible information to the police.

Reporting By Lordina Agyemang Duah, Asaase Newsroom, Kumasi

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