By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA
Kumasi, June 26, GNA – The Ashanti Regional Police Command, in collaboration with the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team (SOT), has arrested 186 suspects during a series of intelligence-led operations targeting organised crime across the Ashanti Region.
The operations, conducted between June 8 and 17, 2026, formed part of efforts to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks involved in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, narcotics trafficking, unlawful possession of firearms and other related offences.
A press statement issued by the Regional Public Affairs Unit and copied to the Ghana News Agency said the coordinated operations were carried out at Asafo, Kenyase Aframa, Asokwa, Buokrom, Krofrom, Atonsu-Bokuro, Asawase and Old Tafo Ahenbronum.
It said the suspects comprised 86 Ghanaians, 96 Nigerians and four Togolese nationals.
The statement said a major breakthrough was recorded on June 9 at Kenyase Aframa, where police arrested a suspect identified as Gladys Ibrahim, also known as “Mama Gee”, together with the 96 Nigerian nationals and four Togolese nationals.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicated that the suspects were linked to a transnational criminal network involved in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, narcotics trafficking and other organised criminal activities.
The operations also led to the rescue of several persons believed to be victims of exploitation, some of whom were identified as minors.
The statement said the minors had been separated from the suspects and placed under protective care in line with established child protection protocols.
It added that foreign nationals identified as victims of exploitation were being processed in collaboration with the Ghana Immigration Service for the necessary immigration and repatriation procedures.
The Police Command commended the professionalism and dedication of the Special Operations Team and officers of the Ashanti Regional Police Command for the successful execution of the operations.
It said investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the criminal network, adding that all suspects remained in police custody or were assisting with investigations.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Yussif Ibrahim