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In a high-stakes operation, police in Wenchi, Bono Region, neutralised an armed robber during a fierce exchange of gunfire on the Wenchi-Wa Highway in the early hours of Saturday, December 28, 2024.
The incident unfolded around 3:40 a.m. when a four-member gang of armed robbers ambushed passengers travelling on the highway near Awisa, a farming community in the Wenchi Municipality.
Responding swiftly to a distress call, a police patrol team arrived at the scene, only to be met with gunfire from the robbers.
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The officers engaged the assailants in a heated shootout, fatally wounding one suspect. The remaining three managed to escape into the dense surrounding bush.
Following the confrontation, police recovered a cache of items believed to have been stolen from victims, including:
- A locally manufactured single-barrel gun
- Six BB cartridges
- An undisclosed amount of cash
- A student bag containing two Itel mobile phones and a power bank
These items are suspected to have been taken during a series of robberies that occurred moments before the police intervention.
Prior to the police response, the armed gang reportedly attacked passengers aboard a Sprinter minibus and a Yutong bus. The victims were left traumatised as the robbers forcibly seized their valuables, creating chaos on the busy highway.
Authorities have launched a full-scale manhunt to track down the three fleeing suspects. Police are also urging residents and commuters in the area to provide any information that could lead to their arrest.
Speaking on the operation, a police spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment of law enforcement to safeguard travellers and rid the Wenchi-Wa Highway of criminal activity.
“This incident underscores the importance of community collaboration in fighting crime. We are determined to apprehend the remaining suspects and ensure justice for the victims,” the spokesperson said.
The police have advised commuters to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as investigations continue. The swift action by the patrol team serves as a reminder of the heightened security measures in place to protect Ghanaians during the festive season.
This latest robbery attempt highlights ongoing security challenges on Ghana’s highways and the resolve of the police to combat such threats decisively.
