Western Central Police Intensify Crackdown on Crime: High-Profile Arrests Made in Robbery, Vehicle Theft, and Illegal Mining

The developments were disclosed during a press briefing led by Regional Commander DCOP Desmond Owusu Boampong in Tarkwa on Friday.  

Gold Heist Suspects Apprehended  
In a breakthrough, three individuals were arrested for allegedly robbing employees of Mas Palasco Gold Buying Limited at Wassa Afransie on April 4, 2025. The suspects—Felix Adjei (alias Africa or Nana Adjei), Emmanuel Kelvin (a Nigerian national), and Kofi Appiah (alias Kesse)—reportedly ambushed the company’s vehicle, making off with gold valued at GH₵199,000 and other valuables. Preliminary investigations reveal the assailants were armed during the operation, though no injuries were reported. Police traced the suspects through surveillance and community tip-offs, recovering portions of the stolen items.  

EPA Vehicle Theft Thwarted

Separately, a suspect was arrested in Tarkwa for stealing a Toyota Land Cruiser (registration number GS 1845-23) belonging to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The vehicle was reportedly intercepted days after it was reported missing, with authorities leveraging CCTV footage and witness accounts to identify the perpetrator.  

Illegal Mining Ring Disrupted

In a parallel operation, six suspects—Justice Tetteh, Michael Anche, Bismark Gyimah, Ramzy Amoah, Michael Attivor, and Emmanuel Andoh—were detained on April 23 for engaging in unauthorised mining activities at Bepoakyi, near Dompim. Police confiscated five excavators used in the illicit operations, which are now held as evidence. Illegal mining, or galamsey, remains a critical challenge in the region, causing environmental degradation and revenue losses.  

Police Vow Sustained Vigilance
DCOP Boampong emphasized the Command’s resolve to leverage intelligence and community partnerships to dismantle criminal networks. “These arrests underscore our zero-tolerance approach to crime. We urge the public to continue sharing timely information to aid our efforts,” he stated. The Regional Commander also highlighted ongoing collaborations with national security agencies and the EPA to address cross-border crimes and environmental violations.  

All suspects remain in custody, assisting with further investigations. Prosecutors are preparing charges, with court proceedings expected to commence in the coming weeks.  

The Western Central Police Command’s latest operations reflect a broader national push to enhance security.

Source: Nana Adjei Katakyie

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Space FM.