A 25-year-old man, Yussif Mohammed, has been arrested after being caught with a large stash of guns and bullets near the Asankare Police barrier in the Ashanti Region.
His arrest, on May 8, 2025, happened thanks to the alertness of the public and a fortunate series of events.
According to a police statement on May 12, 2025, Mohammed was traveling aboard an Accra-bound bus from Kumasi when his backpack bag fell off the vehicle near the police checkpoint.
The incident raised immediate attention, prompting police officers on duty to investigate. When questioned, Mohammed claimed ownership of the bag, which led to a thorough search revealing the alarming collection of items.
Inside the bag, officers found a total of 207 rounds of ammunition, including rounds for a CZ, G3, and AK-47 rifles. The cache included two loaded G3 magazines, along with a BB round, and other rounds of CZ and G3 ammunition. More troubling was the discovery of a quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Further inspection uncovered an array of items that seemed to point to suspicious intent. Among the findings were two smocks embedded with talismans, a bulletproof vest, military jackets, trousers, and boots, as well as a crash helmet. These items, coupled with the ammunition, raised concerns about the suspect’s potential involvement in criminal activities.
The arrest came with the help of some vigilant members of the public, who noticed the fallen backpack and alerted the authorities.
Police investigations suggest that Mohammed may have been planning to use the materials for unlawful purposes. The suspect’s connection to the larger network of criminal activities remains under investigation.
Police Chief ACP Joseph Hammond Nyaaba, during a press briefing, confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect will soon be processed for court. He also urged the public to remain vigilant and collaborate with law enforcement to help rid the community of criminal elements.
“We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for the good people of this region,” he said.
The authorities have issued a warning to criminals, stressing that they are ramping up efforts to tackle crime in the region. The arrest of Yussif Mohammed is a reminder of the ever-present threat posed by illegal arms and criminal activity in Ghana, and the importance of staying alert to such dangers.
The police are calling on citizens to continue supporting their efforts by reporting any suspicious behavior. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that such dangerous individuals do not endanger the safety and peace of the community.
This arrest marks another step in the ongoing battle against crime in the Ashanti region, showing that vigilance and swift action from both the public and the police can make a difference in keeping the streets safe.