Four key members of notorious Kumasi carjacking syndicate arrested

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has apprehended four key members of a notorious carjacking syndicate, following the robbery and murder of Mr. Andrews Amankwah in Ohwim-Amanfrom, Kumasi, on February 10, 2026.

In a press release issued by the Police Public Affairs Unit, Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo said the arrests were the result of “a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, and the CID Anti-Armed Robbery Unit.”

Between February 18 and 22, 2026, the suspects – Akwasi Manu (47), Bashiru Tanko alias “TK” (33), Kojo Amponsah alias “Kamakazi” (35), and Emmanuel Kwame Appiah alias “Taller” (38) – were apprehended in separate operations across Kumasi.

Police say Manu was arrested for the unlawful possession of the deceased victim’s Samsung mobile phone, which “provided a breakthrough in the investigation.” Tanko was arrested at Atonsu, Kumasi, and linked to prior car-snatching incidents. Amponsah, arrested at Hwireso near Boankra, provided intelligence connecting the syndicate to multiple violent robberies. Appiah, apprehended at Danyame, Kumasi, was identified as the driver during the fatal robbery.

The syndicate’s alleged leader, Eric Antwi Duku (42), was shot during an operation on February 22 and later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Recovered items include a Bruni Mod 84 pistol with eight rounds of live ammunition, a tracking device, forged vehicle documents, and a Toyota Corolla S, according to the police statement.

The Police added that the group specialized in stealing Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser vehicles after conducting surveillance on victims and had recently escalated to the use of lethal force.

The syndicate has been linked to the Amanfrom robbery, a separate fatal robbery at Kronum, and multiple vehicle thefts in Tarkwa and Kumasi.

All four suspects are currently in custody and will soon face court proceedings. “The recovered firearm is undergoing forensic and ballistic examination, and efforts are underway to arrest additional accomplices,” the statement said.

The Ghana Police Service assured the public of its commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks.

“We encourage continued public cooperation through credible information sharing,” the statement said.