A coordinated intelligence-led sweep in Kumasi has resulted in the arrest of several suspects linked to the Tukum Syndicate, a violent carjacking ring believed responsible for the February killing of Andrews Amankwaa Karikari, father-in-law of Sammy Gyamfi, the Ghanaian CEO of GOLDBOD.
The 68-year-old victim was shot during an attack at his Ohwim Amanfrom residence on February 10 and succumbed to his injuries on February 18. His Toyota Hilux, registration GN 647–25, was also stolen in the incident.
Ashanti Regional Police Commander Arthur Osei-Akoto said the operation was launched under orders from the Ghana Police Service Inspector-General of Police. Units involved included the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate, the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, and the CID Anti-Robbery Unit.
Sustained surveillance, technical intelligence, and targeted operations enabled the arrests, Commander Osei-Akoto told reporters.
Between February 18 and 22, four principal suspects were apprehended across Kumasi and surrounding areas. One suspect later died in the hospital after being shot during an operation.
The first breakthrough occurred on February 18 with the arrest of 47-year-old farmer Akwesembenu, found in possession of the deceased victim’s Samsung phone. Authorities described the seizure as pivotal in linking the suspects to the fatal robbery.
33-year-old Bashiri Tanko (“Tiki”) – apprehended at Atonsu on February 19; linked to car smuggling networks in Tarkwa and around Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Intelligence suggested he had been excluded from the deadly February 10 robbery over a financial dispute.
35-year-old Kwejo Amponsa (“Kamakazi”) – arrested at Hwereso near Boankra on February 21; interrogation tied him to a string of Toyota Hilux robberies in Kumasi.
42-year-old Eric Njiduku – suspected ringleader, shot and later died in hospital on February 22; recovered items included a Bruni Mod 84 pistol with live rounds, a tracking device, vehicle documents, and a Toyota Corolla S.
38-year-old Emmanuel Kwame Apiah (“Taller”) – arrested at Denyame; reportedly acted as the driver during the Ohwim Amanfrom robbery.
Police say the suspects are linked to multiple violent robberies, including a February attack at Kronum, where a Toyota Hilux belonging to the Ghana National Association of Teachers was stolen, resulting in another fatality.
Commander Osei-Akoto described the Tukum Syndicate as targeting Toyota Hilux vehicles, conducting pre-surveillance on victims, and increasingly resorting to lethal force. Some members had previously evaded arrest despite being on the wanted list of the Central Regional Police Command.
“The suspects have reportedly admitted involvement in multiple robberies across Tarkwa and Kumasi and provided intelligence on the routes used to move stolen vehicles toward the Northern Border Corridor,” he said.
The suspects remain in police custody and will be arraigned in court in the coming days. The Regional Commander reaffirmed the Service’s determination to dismantle violent criminal networks operating in the Ashanti Region and beyond.