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Police Foil Highway Robbery: Three Suspects Gunned Down on Anwiankwanta–Obuasi Road

Life Pulse Daily | December 29, 2025

Introduction

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has successfully neutralized a violent armed robbery syndicate following a deadly confrontation along the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi Highway. In a decisive operation conducted on Christmas Eve, police operatives gunned down three suspected armed robbers who had reportedly converged to execute a planned highway theft. This incident highlights the persistent threat of organized crime in the region and underscores the critical importance of tactical police responses in safeguarding public safety and commercial transport routes.

While two suspects managed to flee the scene, the police operation resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of weaponry and ammunition. Authorities believe this syndicate is linked to a string of violent crimes, including the recent Jacobu airport robbery and attacks on gold buyers in the Ashanti Region. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the incident, the background of the suspects, and the ongoing efforts to curb highway robbery in Ghana.

Key Points

Incident Date: December 24, 2025.
Location: A bushy area between Anwiankwanta and the Jacobu junction.
Casualties: Three suspects identified as Seidu Issah, Musah Yakubu, and Yahaya Munkaila (alias Tijani) were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
Firepower Recovered: Two pump-action guns, one unbranded pistol, 25 live cartridges, and 6 spent cartridges were retrieved at the initial scene.
Follow-up Discovery: In a subsequent raid on December 26, police recovered an AK47, an MG3 rifle, a pump-action gun, and a single-barreled gun from a palm plantation near Manso Nkwanta.
Background: The syndicate is suspected of orchestrating the Jacobu airport robbery, Antoakrom robberies, and attacks on gold buyers in Anwiankwanta.

Background

Highway robbery remains a significant security challenge in various parts of Ghana, particularly along mining and commercial corridors. The Anwiankwanta–Obuasi route is a vital economic artery, frequently used by miners, traders, and commercial transport operators. Over the years, criminal elements have exploited the dense vegetation and topography of the area to launch ambushes.

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has been on high alert following a surge in criminal activities in the latter part of 2025. Prior to this incident, the region witnessed a pattern of violent crimes, including the Jacobu airport robbery on November 3, 2025, which tragically resulted in the death of a security officer. Additionally, there have been multiple reports of robberies along the Manso stretch and attacks on forest guards and gold purchasers.

Intelligence gathering prior to the Christmas Eve operation suggested that a notorious group was planning a major heist. This intelligence precipitated the deployment of tactical units to the area, setting the stage for the confrontation that followed.

Analysis

The Confrontation and Tactical Response

On the night of December 24, 2025, police intelligence tracked a group of suspects converging in a bush between Anwiankwanta and the Jacobu junction. Upon engaging the suspects, the police came under immediate fire, indicating the group’s readiness to use lethal force. The return fire by the police operatives was a necessary act of self-defense and public protection, resulting in the neutralization of three suspects.

Weaponry and Escalation of Threat

The discovery of an AK47 assault rifle and an MG3 machine gun in the follow-up operation on December 26 is particularly alarming. The presence of military-grade automatic weapons suggests that these were not petty thieves but a heavily armed syndicate capable of overpowering standard security details. The MG3, in particular, is a high-rate-of-fire weapon that poses a severe threat to civilian populations and law enforcement alike.

Impact on Local Security

Neutralizing this group breaks the chain of command for several recent violent crimes. By linking these suspects to the Jacobu airport attack and the assault on a gold buyer on December 8, police are effectively closing the net on a团伙 (criminal group) that has terrorized the Ashanti South region. However, the escape of two accomplices indicates that the threat is not entirely eliminated, necessitating continued vigilance.

Practical Advice

For Travelers and Commuters

Travelers using the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi highway and similar routes should adhere to the following safety protocols:

Avoid Night Travel: Most highway robberies occur between 8:00 PM and 4:00 AM. Schedule travel during daylight hours whenever possible.
Inform Authorities: Notify local police or community protection units of your travel plans, especially if transporting valuable goods or large sums of money.
Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition to avoid breakdowns in isolated areas.
Stay Alert: Be wary of roadblocks or suspicious gatherings of individuals on the roadside.

For Business Owners and Gold Buyers

Given the syndicate’s history of targeting gold buyers:

Use Police Escorted Convoys: Transport gold and cash using police-escorted vehicles.
Vary Routes: Avoid using the same routes and schedules consistently to prevent predictability.
Invest in Security: Employ professional security services for business premises and transport.

FAQ

What happened on the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi Highway?

On December 24, 2025, the Ashanti South Regional Police engaged a group of armed robbers planning a heist. Three suspects were gunned down, and several weapons were recovered.

Who were the deceased suspects?

The police identified the three deceased suspects as Seidu Issah, Musah Yakubu, and Yahaya Munkaila (alias Tijani).

Are there still suspects at large?

Yes, two suspects managed to escape the initial scene. Police are actively pursuing them and have launched a manhunt for their accomplices.

What weapons were recovered?

Police recovered pump-action guns, an unbranded pistol, and ammunition at the scene of the shootout. In a follow-up raid, they also recovered an AK47, an MG3 rifle, and other firearms hidden in a plantation near Manso Nkwanta.

Is the highway safe now?

While this specific syndicate has been significantly disrupted, travelers are advised to remain cautious, especially at night, and report any suspicious activities to the police.

Conclusion

The successful operation by the Ashanti South Regional Police Command on the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi Highway marks a significant victory in the fight against violent crime in the region. By neutralizing three heavily armed suspects and seizing a dangerous arsenal, law enforcement has averted potential loss of life and property. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the sophistication and firepower of modern criminal syndicates.

As the police intensify efforts to trace the sources of these weapons and arrest the remaining accomplices, community cooperation remains essential. Public vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines will complement police efforts to secure the highways and restore total peace to the Ashanti Region.

Three suspects gunned down as police foil theft on Anwiankwanta–Obuasi Highway – Life Pulse Daily