Police smash major crime rings: murder suspects arrested, bank robbery plots foiled across Ghana

Ghana's Police Service has reported significant breakthroughs in tackling organised crime, announcing the arrest of multiple suspects connected to a high-profile murder case, foiled bank robbery attempts and armed gang operations spanning the Western and Ashanti regions.

Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno disclosed the arrests on Monday, describing them as part of seven major operational victories achieved through coordinated intelligence-led investigations across the country. The operations resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, vehicles and other exhibits, marking a concerted effort to combat violent crime in Ghana.

The murder case that led to international manhunt

One of the most significant arrests involved Abraham Awundok, 32, who was apprehended in connection with the murder of Dr Jesse Amuah and his wife Elizabeth Amuah Esi. The couple went missing in April and were subsequently found to have been killed. Awundok, who had worked as an errand boy for the couple, allegedly murdered them and stole their mobile phones, money and vehicle before fleeing to the United Arab Emirates.

Following an international search coordinated through INTERPOL, Awundok was deported from Dubai to Ghana on 30 August 2026. Investigators from the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit and INTERPOL escorted him back to face justice. The couple's vehicle has been recovered, and Awundok reportedly confessed to the murders during police interrogation. The victims' remains were retrieved and taken to the Police Hospital Morgue for autopsy.

Bank robbery syndicate dismantled in Accra

Police also announced the disruption of a sophisticated bank robbery network operating in the Greater Accra and Tema metropolitan areas. The syndicate, which had been monitored since April following intelligence reports, specialised in targeting bank customers and planning coordinated attacks on financial institutions.

The gang operated using two vehicles—a Toyota Highlander and a Hyundai Tucson—and employed tactics including using master keys to access vehicles and monitoring bank customers for robbery opportunities. On 17 May, they robbed a woman of GH¢50,000 in Tema Community Two shortly after she withdrew the cash from a bank. In June, they attacked another victim at Achimota following a bank withdrawal.

The Police's Special Operations Assistant unit mounted sustained surveillance on the suspects. On 13 August, when the gang was spotted at a bank on Spintex Road and tracked towards Labone, officers moved in to intercept them. During the operation, two suspects were shot dead, one escaped and another—Augustine Okechuku Maazi, 49—was arrested. Police recovered a Blow F90 pistol and 13 vehicle registration numbers from the vehicles. Investigations revealed the gang had been importing vehicles from Nigeria and replacing their registration plates with Ghanaian ones to evade detection.

Why it matters for Ghana

These operations underscore the escalating threat of organised crime targeting ordinary Ghanaians, particularly those conducting legitimate financial transactions. The sophistication of the bank robbery syndicate—using imported vehicles and coordinated surveillance—demonstrates how criminal networks are adapting to exploit vulnerabilities in urban security. The international dimensions of cases like the Amuah murder highlight how Ghanaian criminals are leveraging overseas networks, requiring enhanced cooperation with global law enforcement bodies.

The Police's ability to pursue suspects internationally and coordinate multi-regional operations suggests improving institutional capacity, though the persistence of armed robbery gangs and contract killings indicates challenges remain. Ghanaians, especially those in urban centres and business hubs, should remain vigilant about personal security whilst these investigations continue.