Four police officers in the Upper West Region have been honoured for their exceptional courage and intelligence-led operation that led to the disruption of a notorious armed robbery syndicate terrorising residents in communities in the region.
The officers include General Sergeant Mortsi Kwashie Divine, Detective Sergeant Salifu Ishmael Aketisiwin, General Corporal Ernest Ameyaw Akumfi, and General Corporal John Bekaar Vitus, who were recognised by the Upper West Regional Security Council at a short yet colourful ceremony held in Wa on Monday, September 7, 2026.
The award follows their role in the identification and arrest of suspected members of the syndicate responsible for a series of violent robberies in parts of Wa West and the Wa Municipality.
According to the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, the gang operated in Nyoli, Kulmasa, Ga, Kpenateng, Kulkpara, Dapoha, Pissi, Gadi and Chogsia, leaving fear and anxiety in its wake.
DCOP. Yiribaare said the latest attack, at Kpenateng Junction on August 1, 2026, was particularly brutal, with the victim allegedly sustaining severe machete wounds after resisting the attackers.
“The mentioned Police Officers have demonstrated acts of exceptional courage, initiative and commitment to duty in a coordinated intelligence-led operation which resulted in the disruption of a very notorious robbery syndicate,” DCOP Yiribaare stated.
The Regional Police Command said sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, coordination and operational response by the four officers, under the guidance of the Wa District Police Command, led to the arrest of six suspected members of the syndicate on August 8 and 10, 2026.
The suspects are currently before the court for trial, while two other alleged members, including a suspected armourer, remain at large and are being pursued by the Police.
The Police Commander disclosed that investigations have established that the gang allegedly robbed victims of about GH¢25,344, comprising GH¢22,070 in cash and GH¢3,274 through forced Mobile Money transfers.
Police also recovered seven mobile phones, some of which victims reportedly identified.
DCOP Yiribaare said the officers’ performance “far exceeded the ordinary requirements” of their duties and brought relief to thousands of residents while helping to restore confidence and economic activity in affected communities.
He further disclosed that the four officers had already been promoted on August 12 by the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Management Board in recognition of their exceptional performance.
The Regional Minister, who doubled as Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGEC), Charles Lwanga Puozuing, commended the awardees for their courage, professionalism and commitment to protecting lives and property.
He stressed that the fight against armed robbery cannot be won by the Police alone, requiring intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and active community participation.
“This ceremony is more than a presentation of awards. It is a solemn recognition of the men and women who have demonstrated that the protection of life, property and public safety requires courage, discipline, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to duty,” he stated.
Mr Puozuing urged the awardees to see the recognition as both an honour and a greater responsibility, reminding them to uphold integrity, accountability, professionalism and respect for human rights.
“Courage must always be exercised within the law, and the authority entrusted to the Police must continually be used responsibly and in the public interest,” he cautioned.
The Minister also assured residents that security remains a priority for the Regional Coordinating Council and pledged continued support for security agencies in intelligence gathering, coordination, community engagement and the prevention of violent crime.
For the four officers, the recognition represents not only a reward for their role in dismantling a feared criminal network, but also a call to sustain the professionalism and courage that earned them the honour.
They were presented with plaques during the ceremony.
By Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara
