The Eastern South Regional Police Command has arrested ten suspects and retrieved nine firearms in a series of security operations in Akwatia, ahead of the upcoming by-election.
According to the Police, the weapons recovered include eight pump-action guns and one locally manufactured single-barreled gun, alongside dozens of cartridges. The operations, they explained, are part of measures to clamp down on the unlawful possession and potential use of weapons during the electoral process.
The first arrest occurred on August 22, 2025, near St. Dominic Hospital in Akwatia, where officers intercepted a vehicle driven by Bernard Kumi Ofosu. A search uncovered a Tulpar double-barrel pump-action gun, four AAA live cartridges, and two FTB blank cartridges. The suspect admitted ownership and produced a license for the weapon. He is currently assisting with investigations as police verify the documents.
At the Akwatia Y-Junction snap check, police arrested Joshua Amenuku after retrieving 15 live BB cartridges from him. A search at his residence later uncovered an ADLER TULPA pump-action gun and five additional cartridges.
Later that evening, a Toyota Hilux pick-up was intercepted at the Boadua Livingstone snap check point, leading to the arrest of Enoch Asiedu and Lu Youyan, a Chinese national. Four live BB cartridges were found in the vehicle. Preliminary investigations revealed that the ammunition allegedly belonged to their employer, identified only as Mohammed, the owner of the vehicle. Police say efforts are underway to trace and arrest Mohammed, while the two suspects remain in custody.
On August 23, 2025, another suspect, Pieterson Joseph, was arrested at the Boadua Livingstone Junction snap check point. Officers retrieved one ADLER TULPAR pump-action gun and 46 AAA and BB cartridges from his vehicle. He admitted ownership of the weapon.
In a separate operation that same day, officers intercepted a Toyota Tundra pick-up (registration number WR 5535-13) at Staff Village, Boadua. A search revealed three pump-action guns, including a Pardus pump-action, a Hulglu Atroe pump-action, and another pump-action gun. The driver, Stephen Nkansah, claimed ownership of two of the guns and alleged that the third belonged to his chief. Nkansah has since been detained for investigation.
The Eastern South Regional Police Command stressed that these operations form part of a wider strategy to ensure peace, law, and order in the lead-up to the Akwatia by-election.
“The Command assures the public and all stakeholders that security operations will be further intensified before, during, and after the by-election to safeguard lives and property,” a statement from the Police said.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
