E/R: Police apprehend 10 suspects, confiscate 9 weapons prior to Akwatia by-election

The Eastern South Regional Police Command has apprehended ten suspects and seized nine weapons in separate security operations in Akwatia, prior to the forthcoming by-election.

The weapons confiscated, comprising eight pump-action guns and one locally manufactured single-barrel gun, were recovered in a series of snap checks and targeted operations aimed at preventing the unlawful possession and use of firearms during the polls.

On August 22, 2025, police personnel near St. Dominic Hospital intercepted a vehicle driven by Bernard Kumi Ofosu, recovering a Tulpar double-barrel pump-action gun, four AAA live cartridges, and two blank cartridges.

Although Ofosu produced a licence for the firearm, he remains in custody while the weapon undergoes verification.

During a snap check at the Akwatia Y-Junction, officers apprehended Joshua Amenuku after finding 15 live BB cartridges in his possession. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered an ADLER Tulpar pump-action gun and five additional cartridges.

Later that day, police at the Boadua Livingstone checkpoint arrested Enoch Asiedu and Lu Youyan, a Chinese national, after discovering four live cartridges in a Toyota Hilux pickup. The ammunition was reportedly linked to their employer, identified only as Mohammed, who is currently being sought by the authorities.

On August 23, officers conducted another operation, resulting in the arrest of Pieterson Joseph at Boadua Livingstone Junction, where an ADLER Tulpar pump-action gun and 46 cartridges were found in his vehicle, which he claimed ownership of.

In the evening, a Toyota Tundra pickup with registration WR 5535-13 was stopped at Staff Village, Boadua. A search revealed three pump-action guns – a Pardus, a Hulglu Atroe, and an unidentified brand. Stephen Nkansah, who claimed to own two of the guns and said the third belonged to his chief, was arrested.

According to the Eastern South Regional Police Command, these operations are intended to secure the Akwatia by-election, with similar measures to be taken to ensure peace before, during, and after the election.