W/R police clamp down on crime: Suspects arrested for vehicle theft, gold robbery, galamsey

The Western Central Regional Police Command is stepping up its fight against crime. In April 2025, they made three major arrests related to vehicle theft, gold robbery, and illegal mining in the Western Region.

In Tarkwa, Salifu Gariba was arrested for stealing a Toyota Land Cruiser. The vehicle belonged to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It was taken from an EPA employee's home in Budo City on 15 April. Police intercepted Gariba the next day at Kukobila along the Tamale–Bolgatanga highway. They successfully retrieved the stolen vehicle, and Gariba remains in custody as investigations continue.

In another case, three suspects were arrested for a gold robbery in Wassa Afransie. The suspects are Felix Adjei (alias Africa or Nana Adjei), Emmanuel Kelvin (a Nigerian national), and Kofi Appiah (alias Kesse). They are accused of robbing Mas Palasco Gold Buying Limited of 14 pounds of gold and valuables worth GHS 199,000. This incident occurred on 4 April when armed suspects ambushed a company vehicle returning from Wassa Ayiem.

During the robbery, an unregistered Toyota Corolla was also stolen but later found abandoned. Police recovered weapons, ammunition, and GHS 65,000 believed to be from the robbery. All three suspects are currently in custody and assisting with further investigations.

Additionally, six individuals were arrested near Dompim on 23 April for illegal mining activities. The suspects include Justice Tetteh, Michael Anche, Bismark Gyimah, Ramzy Amoah, Michael Attivor, and Emmanuel Andoh. They were apprehended during ongoing anti-galamsey operations.

Police seized five excavators used in these mining activities. These excavators are being held at the Dompim Police Station until they can be transferred to the Tarkwa Nsuaem District Assembly.

The Western Regional Police Command is committed to reducing crime and protecting public safety. Investigations into all three incidents are still ongoing.