Police Arrest Four Key Members of Deadly Carjacking Syndicate in Kumasi
February 24,2026
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested four key members of a notorious carjacking syndicate linked to a series of violent robberies and vehicle thefts in Kumasi and other parts of the country.
The arrests follow investigations into the robbery and murder of Mr. Andrews Amankwah, which occurred on February 10, 2026, at Ohwim-Amanfrom in Kumasi.
According to a statement issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the Ghana Police Service in Kumasi on February 24, 2026, the breakthrough came after a coordinated intelligence-led operation directed by the Inspector-General of Police. The operation involved the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, and the CID Anti-Armed Robbery Unit.
Between February 18 and 22, 2026, four suspects believed to be members of the “Duku Syndicate” were arrested in separate operations across Kumasi.
The suspects have been identified as:
Akwasi Manu, 47, who was arrested for unlawful possession of the deceased’s Samsung mobile phone.
Bashiru Tanko, also known as “TK”, 33, arrested at Atonsu and linked to prior car-snatching activities.
Kojo Amponsah, alias “Kamakazi”, 35, arrested at Hwireso near Boankra, and said to have provided intelligence linking the group to multiple violent robberies.
Emmanuel Kwame Appiah, alias “Taller”, 38, arrested at Danyame and identified as the driver during the fatal robbery.
The alleged leader of the syndicate, Eric Antwi Duku, 42, sustained gunshot wounds during a police operation on February 22 and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police retrieved several items during the operation, including a Bruni Mod 84 pistol loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition, a tracking detection device, forged vehicle documents, and a Toyota Corolla S, which has since been impounded.
Investigations have established that the syndicate specialized in stealing Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser vehicles after conducting surveillance on their victims. The group is also believed to have recently escalated to the use of lethal force.
The suspects have been linked to the Amanfrom robbery, another fatal robbery at Kronum, and multiple vehicle thefts in Tarkwa and Kumasi.
Police say the arrested suspects are currently in custody and will soon be arraigned before court. The recovered firearm is undergoing forensic and ballistic examination, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional accomplices.
The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks and has urged the public to support law enforcement agencies by providing credible information.
The statement was signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, Head of the Public Affairs Unit, Ashanti Region.
