By Samuel Ofori Boateng, GNA
Bekwai (Ash), June 19, GNA – The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has arrested a suspect wanted in connection with a series of car snatching, robberies and vehicle thefts across the Ashanti Region.
The arrest of the suspect, identified as William Opoku, also known as ‘Father Blessing’, through intelligence-led operations at Ahwiaa, near Kumasi, marked a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat organized vehicle-related crimes in the region.
According to the Police, investigations led officers to identify hideouts allegedly used by the suspect and members of his gang at Ahwiaa and Pankrono, culminating in his arrest.
Police said that, during interrogation, William Opoku admitted his involvement in several vehicle theft incidents that have occurred in recent months.
Among the cases he reportedly confessed to, were the theft of a Toyota Corolla on the Anwiankwanta–Asanso road, the stealing of a Toyota Corolla belonging to a Police officer at Pankrono, another Toyota Corolla at Moro Market, and a white Toyota Corolla stolen at Anloga Junction in Kumasi.
As part of the investigations, the suspect reportedly led Police officers to a workshop where the stolen white Toyota Corolla was undergoing repairs, enabling its recovery.
He further admitted involvement in the attack on a Police officer at Kronum Brokutu on July 05, 2025, during which an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition were stolen.
Police investigations also uncovered the identities of several alleged accomplices linked to criminal activities.
The suspect identified them as Prince, also known as “Killer Wooah,” Suley alias “Shangu Spirit,” Bonkro alias “Okoronko,” Aki, and Yaw Antwi.
Acting on this intelligence, the Police launched a follow-up operation on June 17, 2026, to apprehend the remaining suspects.
During the operation, officers reportedly spotted Suley alias Shangu Spirit, Bonkro alias Okoronko, and another suspect riding an unregistered Honda PCX motorbike.
According to the Police, an attempt to arrest the suspects resulted in a confrontation after the motorbike rider allegedly knocked down a Police officer and opened fire, while attempting to escape.
Officers returned fire, leading to Suley alias Shangu Spirit and another suspect identified as “Long Story” sustaining gunshot wounds.
Bonkro alias Okoronko, however, managed to escape.
Police revealed that Suley alias Shangu Spirit had been linked to several major vehicle theft and car snatching incidents, including those at Anwiankwanta–Asanso, Anloga Junction, and Moro Market, as well as the attack on the Police officer at Kronum Brokutu.
Investigators further believe that the AK-47 assault rifle stolen during the attack on the Police officer was being kept by William Opoku alias Father Blessing for safekeeping.
The injured suspects were immediately transported to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital for medical treatment but were pronounced dead on arrival.
Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital mortuary pending preservation and autopsy.
Meanwhile, William Opoku remains in Police custody assisting with ongoing investigations.
The Police have intensified efforts to arrest the remaining suspects, particularly Bonkro, alias Okoronko and other members of the gang who are still at large.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has assured the public of its commitment to pursuing all persons connected to the criminal network and recovering the remaining stolen vehicles, the missing AK-47 assault rifle, and ammunition.
The Command has also called on the public to support law enforcement agencies with credible information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects and help bring the ongoing investigations to a successful conclusion.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade