Police Arrest Suspect in GH₵ 7.5m Sunlight Hours Theft at Adabraka

Introduction

The Ghana Police Service has announced a significant breakthrough in the high-profile GH₵ 7.5 million robbery that occurred in broad daylight at Adabraka. On December 31, 2025, the Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, confirmed the arrest of a key suspect linked to the audacious heist. This development brings investigators closer to resolving a case that has captured national attention due to the sheer value of the stolen cash and the brazen nature of the attack.

Key Points

Background

The incident under investigation occurred in the Adabraka neighborhood of Accra, a bustling commercial area. The robbery took place during “sunlight hours,” a term used to describe the middle of the day when visibility is high and public activity is at its peak.

According to police reports, the victims were transporting proceeds from a jewelry transaction to a bank. This is a standard security protocol for businesses handling large amounts of liquid cash. However, the perpetrators, displaying a high level of audacity, intercepted the vehicle. The specific targeting of a cash-in-transit vehicle suggests detailed surveillance and planning by the criminal syndicate.

The theft of GH₵ 7.5 million (Ghana Cedis) represents a massive financial loss. At current exchange rates, this sum is equivalent to hundreds of thousands of US dollars, making it one of the significant cash robberies in recent Ghanaian history. The brazen use of AK-47 assault rifles in a residential/commercial area also raised immediate concerns regarding public safety and the escalation of armed crime.

Analysis

The arrest of Ali Mohammed, alias “Bawasam,” marks a critical pivot in the investigation. DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor’s statement highlights that this is not merely an arrest of a random individual, but a targeted apprehension of a suspect believed to be central to the operation.

The Significance of the Arrest

Apprehending a suspect in a case involving such a large sum of money is often the hardest part of the investigative process. The fact that the suspect was found in Ashaiman, potentially attempting to lay low or access medical care, indicates that the police intelligence network was effective. By securing one suspect, the police gain leverage. They can interrogate the individual to uncover the identities of the accomplices and, crucially, the location of the missing GH₵ 7.5 million.

Forensic and Investigative Implications

The police reference to “preliminary investigations” suggests that ballistics analysis regarding the AK-47 rifles and the trajectory of the fired shots are part of the case file. Furthermore, the recovery of the vehicle used in the robbery or forensic evidence linking “Bawasam” to the scene (such as DNA or fingerprints) would be vital for the prosecution. The police statement that they are “proceeding efforts” implies that this arrest is the tip of the iceberg, leading to a wider dragnet operation.

Social Impact

Robberies of this magnitude have a psychological impact on the business community. When jewelry stores or cash-in-transit operations are targeted in broad daylight, it undermines confidence in the security of commerce. The prompt release of CCTV footage (as mentioned in the original prompt context) helps in public awareness but also serves as a deterrent to other potential criminals.

Practical Advice

While the police work to resolve this specific case, businesses and individuals can take lessons from the Adabraka theft to enhance their security posture.

For Businesses Handling Cash

1. Vary Transport Routes and Times: Criminals often rely on predictable patterns. If a jewelry store always sends cash to the bank at 4:00 PM via the same route, this information can be leaked or observed. Changing routes and times reduces vulnerability.

2. Use Professional Security Services: Transporting GH₵ 7.5 million requires more than a standard vehicle. It requires armored vehicles or at least a dedicated, armed security escort.

3. Digital Transactions: Encouraging wire transfers or direct bank deposits rather than physical cash movement can significantly reduce the risk of daylight robbery.

For Personal Safety

If you witness a crime in progress or find yourself near a high-stakes robbery:

1. Do Not Intervene: As seen in this case, the suspects were armed with assault rifles and willing to use them. Personal safety takes precedence over property.

2. Observe and Report: If safe to do so, take note of physical descriptions, vehicle license plates, and direction of travel. Relay this information to the police immediately (dial 112 or 191 in Ghana).

3. Seek Cover: “Firing multiple shots to disperse onlookers” is a common tactic. If you hear gunshots, drop to the ground or seek hard cover immediately, rather than standing to watch.

FAQ

Conclusion

The arrest of Ali Mohammed (“Bawasam”) in connection with the GH₵ 7.5 million Adabraka daylight robbery is a major victory for the Ghana Police Service. It demonstrates the capacity of law enforcement to track down suspects even after a significant amount of time has passed. While the suspect is in custody, the investigation continues with a focus on locating the other accomplices and recovering the stolen millions. This case serves as a stark reminder of the reality of organized crime but also highlights the importance of diligent police work in maintaining law and order.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily (Original Report)
• Ghana Police Service – CID Headquarters (Official Statement by DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor)
• Multimedia Group Limited (Contextual Disclaimer and Reporting)