Armed robber killed in shoot-out with police

Fomena (Ash), May 8, GNA- Armed robbers numbering more than six last Thursday night engaged the Fomena police in a shoot-out leading to the death of one of them.

The robbers who had already attacked and robbed a number of innocent drivers and passengers of their monies and mobile phones before the police arrived at the scene of the operation scene at the Kusa scarp near Fomena on the main Kumasi-Yamoransa highway around midnight. The body of the deceased armed robber had been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) after the police had retrieved from his pocket 10 live cartridges and some mobile phones. One expended ammunition and a short gun was also found on the ground.

Mr Philip A. Gamiah, the Fomena District Police Commander who briefed Mr P. Adusei-Sarpong, the Obuasi Divisional Police Commander and the Ghana News Agency, said around 11 pm on that Thursday, information got to the Fomena police on snap check at Asokwa-Junction that armed robbers had barricaded the Kumasi-Yamoransa highway at Kusa scarp and robbing drivers and passengers.

The police then quickly mobilized themselves to the scene and found that four articulated vehicle drivers were under attack. The District Police Commander said on seeing the police one of the armed robbers fired at them. The also police also returned fire leading to the death of one of the robbers, whilst the rest escaped into the bush.

Mr Gamiah said the identity of the deceased was yet known, but he was believed to be of Fulani descent of about 22 years of age. He added that no arrest had been made, but the police was in the process of searching the bush for the rest of the armed robbers. Mr Adusei-Sarpong advised neighbouring communities to look out for strange people and report them to the local heads who would intend inform the police for their arrest.

Mr Peter Kwabena Ameyaw, the Adansi North District Chief Executive, commended the Fomena police for their efforts in assisting the district assembly to improve security in the area.

He said the police recently arrested some cable thieves at Asokwa and their last encounter with the armed robbers was commendable. The DCE encouraged the police to continue to exhibit such dedication to duty to help promote sound security in the district. 8 May 07