The Bono East Regional Police Command has successfully arrested six suspects involved in a highway robbery on the Portor-Gulumpe Highway. Police recovered the full GHS 300,000 allegedly stolen from a businessman during the incident. This swift action by law enforcement highlights ongoing efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety in the region.
The robbery, which took place on the evening of July 19, 2026, was reportedly an inside job. The victim's driver allegedly planned the heist, providing crucial information to the other suspects. This betrayal underscores the importance of vigilance, even with trusted associates, especially when transporting significant sums of money.
This incident occurs amidst broader concerns about road safety and criminal activities impacting economic transactions in Ghana. Highway robberies can deter business activities and increase operational costs for traders. The quick recovery of the stolen funds and the arrests send a strong message to criminals operating on major transport routes.
DCOP Shaibu Sadique-Osei, the Bono East Regional Police Commander, confirmed the details of the operation. "This was an inside job. The driver, knowing his boss was carrying that amount of money, conspired with five others to stage the robbery," DCOP Sadique-Osei stated. He added, "We are pleased that our men on the ground acted with speed and precision. Crime will not pay in this region."
The successful apprehension of all suspects and the recovery of the entire GHS 300,000 will likely bolster public confidence in the police force. It also serves as a deterrent to potential criminals. Businesses and individuals transporting large cash amounts may need to reassess their security protocols and consider alternative payment methods to mitigate such risks.
The incident unfolded around 8:30 pm near the Portor Police Barrier within the Kintampo Police Division. Police officers stationed at the barrier responded swiftly after receiving intelligence about the ongoing robbery. Upon their arrival, four suspects initially fled into a nearby bush.
Officers arrested Abdul Sadat Ali, 24, who was driving a Toyota Voxy with registration number AS 1541-25. During initial questioning, Abdul Sadat Ali implicated Samad Issahaka, 24, the driver of a Kia Rhino with registration number AS 7337-23. Police subsequently arrested Samad Issahaka, leading to further investigations.
These investigations allegedly uncovered the involvement of the victim’s driver, Yahaya Seidu, 35, who owned the Kia Rhino. Yahaya Seidu had instructed his driver, Samad Issahaka, to transport him to Buipe to purchase cattle. Unbeknownst to the businessman, his driver allegedly conspired with five others to rob him.
The suspects, armed with a toy pistol, trailed the Kia Rhino from Offinso in the Ashanti Region. They caught up with the vehicle after the Portor Police Barrier and robbed the businessman of the GHS 300,000.00 in cash. Police counter-terrorism personnel, along with the local police patrol team, pursued the four fleeing suspects into the bush.
They successfully arrested all of them. The arrested individuals were identified as Abdul Rahman Mashud, 21, Asigri Avoka, 25, Awini Stephen, 19, and Faisal Salifu, 26. A search conducted on the suspects led to the retrieval of the entire GHS 300,000.00. This was a significant relief for the businessman, who ultimately lost nothing.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed that Samad Issahaka, the victim's driver, had tipped them off. They admitted to trailing the Kia Rhino from Offinso before executing the robbery at Portor. All six suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations.
The Ghana Police Service commended the alertness and professionalism of the personnel on duty. They also acknowledged the counter-terrorism team for their support in effecting the arrests. The Police Service has urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities, especially when traveling with significant sums of money.