Three men arrested over a string of robberies in the Ashanti Region were shot dead after an ambush during a weapons retrieval operation, police say.
Three suspected armed robbers were shot dead at Poano in the Ashanti Region after gunmen hiding in a bush opened fire on a police team, the Ashanti South Regional Police Command has confirmed.
The dead men have been named as Yaw Adu Gyamfi, 56, known as "Forsher"; Emmanuel Boamah Gyebi, 38, known as "Begee"; and Felix Topman, 29, known as "Rasta".
How the operation unfolded
According to a police report cited by Daily Guide Network, officers acted on intelligence on 22 September 2026 that Gyamfi and his gang — wanted over a series of robberies in the Obuasi, New Edubiase and Manso areas — were lodging at a hotel at Atwima Mmim, near Nkawie, and planning a fresh attack.
A police team moved on the hotel and arrested the three men at about 2pm. A search recovered a pump-action gun along with BB cartridges and .32 Auto ammunition.
Under questioning, the suspects told police they were planning to strike road users on the Anwia Nkwanta–Antoakrom road that night, and that extra weapons had been buried in a bush at Poano.
At about 7pm, the suspects led officers to the spot. During the search, unidentified people inside the bush opened fire on the team. The three suspects ran, attempting to escape, and police returned fire. All three were hit.
They were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have been sent to a morgue for autopsy.
Chief Inspector Joseph Kwakye suffered a minor injury in the exchange and is receiving treatment. Police believe at least one of the attackers was also shot but escaped into the bush.
Weapons recovered
A follow-up search of the area turned up an unmarked AK-47 rifle loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, two unmarked pump-action guns and 24 BB cartridges. The weapons were stuffed in a sack and buried under a palm tree.
Admissions during questioning
Police say Gyamfi admitted involvement in several robberies and killings during interrogation. These included the killing of the Chief of Atwima Mmim, said to have been attacked in a bathroom some years ago, and the killing of the Chief of Atwima Koforidua.
He is also said to have admitted a role in the Mankranso robbery of 7 August 2026 and a number of roadblock robberies around Nkawie whose dates he could not recall, as well as shooting a retired senior police officer, DCOP Rev. Dr. Nana Samuel Adane Ameyaw Nyamekye, in the leg. He named the two other men as his accomplices.
What happens next
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command says investigations continue and that officers are working to trace the gunmen who fled after the shootout.
