Suspected car theft gang leader arrested as two accomplices killed in police operation

A suspected leader of a vehicle theft and car-snatching syndicate has been arrested in Ghana's Ashanti Region, while two alleged accomplices were killed during a police operation, according to the Ashanti South Regional Police Command.

Police said William Opoku, also known as "Father Blessing", was arrested in Ahwiaa in the Kwabre East Municipality following what authorities described as an intelligence-led operation targeting the group's suspected hideouts in Ahwiaa and Pankrono.

In a statement, police alleged that Mr Opoku admitted involvement in a number of vehicle thefts, including the theft of Toyota Corolla cars in parts of the Ashanti Region.

Investigators said information provided by the suspect led them to a mechanic's workshop, where a stolen vehicle was recovered while undergoing repairs.

Police further alleged that Mr Opoku confessed to involvement in an attack on a police officer in Kronum Brokutu in July 2025, during which an AK-47 rifle and ammunition were stolen.

According to the police, the suspect identified several alleged members of the criminal network, including individuals known by the aliases "Killer Wooah", "Shangu Spirit" and "Okoronko".

A subsequent operation on 17 June led officers to three suspects travelling on an unregistered motorbike.

Police said the suspects resisted arrest, with the rider allegedly knocking down an officer before gunfire was exchanged as they attempted to flee.

Two of the suspects, identified by police as Suley, also known as "Shangu Spirit", and another known as "Long Story", were shot and later pronounced dead at Bekwai Municipal Hospital.

A third suspect, identified as Bonkro, alias "Okoronko", escaped and remains at large.

Police said investigations had linked the deceased suspects to a number of vehicle thefts and robberies in the region, as well as the earlier attack on the police officer.

Authorities believe the stolen AK-47 rifle may still be in the possession of members of the gang and say efforts are continuing to recover the weapon and trace other stolen vehicles.

Mr Opoku remains in police custody while investigations continue.

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command said it was pursuing other suspects connected to the case and urged members of the public with relevant information to assist the investigation.