How Ataa Ayi's driver was contacted from prison by chief to kill queen mother – Report

More details are emerging in the killing of Abambahemaa of the Atebubu area in the Bono East Region, Nana Serwaa Gyan Kuma, popularly known as Ohemaa of Ohemaa’s Kitchen, who was allegedly murdered by contract killers.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, earlier disclosed that the chief of Akokoa, Nana Owusu Sankofi II, alias Charles Kofi Owusu, allegedly contracted a group of suspects to assassinate the queen mother of Abamba for GH¢50,000.

Speaking during a media briefing at Atebubu on May 22, 2026, the IGP said investigations into the murder of Nana Serwaa Gyan Kuma, who was shot dead at her residence on February 25, 2026, uncovered a criminal conspiracy involving multiple suspects.

According to the IGP, the breakthrough came after police at Kasoa arrested some suspects preparing to commit robbery.

The host and Executive Director of the Crime Check Foundation (CCF), Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, has provided further details on the murder case.

He explained that one of the main suspects, Nana Yaw, was allegedly contacted by the chief while he was in prison.

Nana Yaw was formerly the driver of the notorious armed robber Ataa Ayi, who is currently serving a 77-year sentence at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison.

Speaking on Crime Check TV on May 25, 2026, Kwarteng stated, “Nana Yaw is serving 77 years in prison and in the Ataa Ayi case, he was the driver.”

Meanwhile, according to the police service, during interrogation, one of the suspects, Abdul-Razak Ibrahim Langa, alias Zack, reportedly confessed to knowledge of the queen mother’s murder.

Three police officers, two military personnel arrested among seven robbery suspects

He allegedly told investigators that the ‘ghost’ of the deceased queen mother had been tormenting him, compelling him to disclose details of the crime.

Further interrogation identified Nana Yaw Bediako, also known as Nana Yaw, as the alleged gunman who shot and killed the queen mother.

The IGP disclosed that Nana Yaw confessed and named Nana Owusu Sankofi II, the chief of Akokoa, as the person who contracted them to carry out the killing.

“He confessed to the crime and mentioned suspect Nana Owusu Sankofi II, also known in private life as Charles Sankofi Owusu, the chief of Akokoa, as the one who contracted them to kill the queen mother with a promise to pay them GH¢50,000,” the IGP stated.

Police investigations further led to the arrest of a convicted prisoner, Ishaku Alhassan, alias Sule Yagani, who is currently serving a sentence at Nsawam Medium Security Prison but is being held temporarily at Sunyani Central Prison pending an appeal hearing.

Two additional suspects Emmanuel Agyeman Darko, identified as the Abakomahene of Akokoa, and Bukari Amadu, a driver have also been arrested in connection with the case.

The IGP assured residents that intelligence-led operations against criminal activities in Atebubu would continue to ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens.



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