The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has vowed to sustain the nationwide crackdown on criminal activities as part of efforts to protect lives and property across the country.
He assured residents of the Bono East Region and Ghanaians at large that the Ghana Police Service remains committed to combating violent crime and maintaining law and order without compromise.
Speaking during a press briefing alongside the Bono East Regional Police Commander in Atebubu, the IGP disclosed that the police service has intensified intelligence-led operations across the country over the past year to clamp down on criminal networks and restore public confidence in national security.
According to him, the police, with logistical and operational support from President John Dramani Mahama, have successfully dismantled several dangerous criminal syndicates involved in armed robbery, narcotics trafficking, child trafficking, murder, cybercrime, online scams, and other offences.
Mr. Yohuno noted that Atebubu, which had previously gained notoriety as a hideout for criminals, has witnessed intensified police operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements from the enclave.
“Several suspects have been arrested. Those who were daring enough to engage the police in shootouts received the appropriate response, while others were forced to flee the town,” he stated.
He emphasized that the operations would continue to ensure residents can go about their daily lives and businesses without fear of attacks or intimidation.
Major Breakthrough in Queen Mother’s Murder
The IGP also announced a major breakthrough in investigations into the murder of Nana Serwaa Gyankuma, Queen Mother of Abamba, who was shot dead at her residence in Atebubu on February 25, 2026.
According to the police, the breakthrough emerged after officers in Kasoa arrested some suspects for allegedly preparing to commit robbery.
During interrogations, one of the suspects, Abdul Razak Ibrahim Langa, popularly known as Zak, reportedly confessed knowledge of the queen mother’s murder.
Police said the suspect claimed he had been haunted by the “ghost” of the deceased queen mother, compelling him to reveal details of the crime.
Further investigations identified Nana Yaw Bediako, also known as Nana Yaw, as the alleged gunman who shot and killed the queen mother.
Police investigators say Nana Yaw confessed to the crime and named Nana Asankwafo II, privately known as Charles Kofi Owusu, the chief of Akokoa, as the alleged mastermind behind the killing.
According to investigators, the suspects were allegedly promised GH¢50,000 to execute the murder.
The police further disclosed that a convicted prisoner currently serving a sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, but temporarily held at the Sunyani Central Prison pending an appeal hearing, has also been linked to the case.
Two other suspects — Imoro Jiman Dako, said to be the Abakomahene of Akokoa, and Bukari Amadou, a driver — have also been arrested to assist investigations.
Arrests in GB Oil Robbery Attack
The police also announced significant progress in investigations into the deadly armed robbery attack at the GB Oil filling station near Atebubu on May 2, 2026.
The attack claimed the lives of two people and left two others with gunshot wounds.
The IGP disclosed that eight suspects, including two women, have so far been arrested in connection with the incident.
Three suspects — Adam Ademu, 27, Sule Amadou Soba, 22, and Abdoulaye Ali, 45 — are currently in police custody assisting with investigations.
Police also revealed that three other suspects — Abdul Razak Osman, alias Alhaji Gao, Nuhu Awudu, and Dawda Issa — died during exchanges with police in the course of operations linked to the case.
The two female suspects, both nursing mothers, have reportedly been granted police enquiry bail.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Abdul Razak Osman, a filling station operator who is now deceased, allegedly hired a robbery gang led by Nuhu Awudu to attack and kill the owner of the GB Oil station.
According to investigators, the gang monitored the movements of the fuel station owner on the day of the attack and struck when they believed he had returned to the station.
However, police said the intended target had left the premises moments before the attack occurred.
Realising they had missed their target, the gang allegedly opened fire indiscriminately, killing two people and injuring two others.
The IGP commended intelligence officers, anti-armed robbery operatives, cybercrime investigators, and Bono East Regional Police personnel for their dedication and professionalism in handling both cases.
He also expressed appreciation to members of the public who continue to support police operations with credible information.
“To the criminals out there, watch out. You are the next in line. We are coming for you,” Mr. Yohuno warned.
He reaffirmed the Ghana Police Service’s determination to sustain aggressive crime-fighting operations across the country to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
By 1960news.com
