Two suspects believed to be linked to a series o carjacking incidents in the Ashanti region have died in a shootout with the police during an operation. One of the suspects, identified as Williams Opoku, has also been arrested.
Opoku, as known as Father Blessing, was arrested during an intelligence-led operation at Ahwiaa near Tafo after police identified hideouts allegedly used by him and members of the gang at Ahwiaa and Pankrono.
A Thursday, June 18, 2026 statement from the police says Opoku admitted to taking part in several vehicle thefts in Kumasi during interrogation.
Among the theft cases related to the syndicate includes the stealing of a Toyota Corolla on the Anwiankwanta to Asanso-Bekwai road, a Toyota Corolla belonging to a policeman at Pankrono, another Toyota Corolla at Moro Market in Kumasi, and a white Toyota Corolla at Anloga Junction.
The police said Opoku later led investigators to a workshop where the white Toyota Corolla was being repaired, leading to its recovery.
According to the police, Opoku confessed to taking part in an attack on a police officer at Kronum Brokutu on July 5, 2025, during which an AK-47 rifle and ammunition were stolen.
The police said the stolen rifle is believed to have been kept by Opoku.
During interrogation, Opoku identified his alleged accomplices as Prince, also known as Killer Wooah, Suley, also known as Shangu Spirit, Bonkro, also known as Okoronko, Aki, and Yaw Antwi.
Following the arrest, the police mounted another operation on June 17, 2026, during which officers traced Suley, Bonkro and another suspect, who were seen riding an unregistered Honda PCX motorbike.
Police say the rider allegedly knocked down a police officer before opening fire while attempting to escape. The police returned fire, leaving Suley and another suspect identified as Long Story with gunshot wounds. Bonkro escaped, according to the police.
The police said Suley had been linked to several carjacking cases, including those on the Anwiankwanta to Asanso-Bekwai road, at Anloga Junction and Moro Market, as well as the attack on the police officer.
The injured suspects were taken to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Opoku remains in police custody assisting investigations.
The police said efforts were underway to arrest the remaining suspects, including Bonkro, also known as Okoronko, and recover the stolen vehicles, the AK-47 rifle and the ammunition.
Ashanti Region: 2 robbery suspects killed during shootout with Police at Manso Antoakrom
