Six arrested in GH¢300k highway robbery at Portor-Gurumpe; full cash recovered

The Bono East Regional Police Command has made significant headway in tackling highway crime following the swift arrest of six suspects involved in an armed robbery that netted GH¢300,000 from a cattle buyer on the Portor-Gurumpe Highway. In a breakthrough operation, police recovered the entire sum stolen during the incident, marking a rare success in combating the organised robbery networks that have plagued Ghana's major transit routes in recent years.

The robbery occurred on Sunday, 19 July 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., just metres from the Portor Police Barrier under the Kintampo Police Division. Officers stationed at the barrier received intelligence of an active robbery in progress and responded immediately, discovering four suspects fleeing towards a nearby bush. The swift police response prevented the criminals from escaping with their haul.

Inside the gang: how a driver conspired with accomplices

Investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of insider collaboration. Samad Issahaka, 24, a driver employed by cattle trader Yahaya Seidu, allegedly passed critical information to accomplices about his employer carrying substantial cash for livestock purchases. Seidu had instructed Issahaka to drive his Kia Rhino truck to Buipe to buy cattle, but the driver allegedly conspired with five others to intercept and rob him on the journey.

The gang, armed only with a toy pistol, trailed the vehicle from Offinso in the Ashanti Region and launched their attack immediately after passing the Portor Police Barrier. Police arrested the driver, Abdul Sadat Ali, 24, operator of a Toyota Voxy, at the scene. Under interrogation, Ali implicated Issahaka, whose arrest subsequently uncovered the broader conspiracy. Personnel from the Police Counter Terrorism Unit joined local patrol teams to pursue the remaining suspects into the bush, leading to the capture of Abdul Rahman Mashud, 21; Asigri Avoka, 25; Awini Stephen, 19; and Faisal Salifu, 26.

All suspects remained in custody assisting investigations and reportedly admitted to the robbery and their roles in tracking the vehicle from Offinso.

Why this matters for Ghana: highway safety and organised crime

Highway robberies remain a persistent security challenge across Ghana, with major transit routes like the Portor-Gurumpe corridor serving as hotspots for organised gangs targeting business travellers and traders. Incidents of this nature undermine commerce, deter legitimate business activity, and create widespread fear among Ghanaians who travel regularly for trade or personal reasons. The recovery of the full stolen amount and the dismantling of this particular gang demonstrates that effective police coordination and intelligence gathering can yield tangible results.

However, the fact that a conspiracy involved an insider—the victim's own employee—highlights a broader vulnerability. Criminals often exploit personal relationships and employment networks to gather intelligence on targets. This case serves as a cautionary reminder to business owners and travellers to exercise discretion when discussing cash movements and to scrutinise trusted associates carefully.

The Bono East Regional Police Command's commendation of its officers and the Counter Terrorism Unit's involvement signal renewed focus on tackling organised crime along Ghana's highways. Sustained operations of this nature, combined with improved intelligence networks, remain essential to restoring public confidence in security along major routes.