'They used a toy gun but intent was deadly serious' - Police detail Gulumpe Highway robbery

The Bono East Regional Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with a highway robbery on the Portor–Gulumpe Highway and recovered the full GH¢300,000 allegedly stolen from a businessman.

According to a report by adomonline.com on July 21, 2026, the robbery occurred around 8:30 pm on July 19, 2026, near the Portor Police Barrier within the Kintampo Police Division.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the crime was allegedly masterminded by the victim's driver, who is accused of leaking information about the large sum of money his employer was carrying.

Addressing the media at the Regional Police Headquarters in Techiman, Bono East Regional Police Commander, DCOP Shaibu Sadique-Osei, described the robbery as an ‘inside job.’

"This was an inside job. The driver, knowing his boss was carrying that amount of money, conspired with five others to stage the robbery. They used a toy pistol, but their intent was deadly serious," DCOP Sadique-Osei said.

According to the Police, personnel stationed at the Portor Police Barrier acted swiftly after receiving intelligence that a robbery was in progress.

"Upon reaching the scene, four suspects reportedly fled into a nearby bush, while officers arrested Abdul Sadat Ali, 24, who was driving a Toyota Voxy with registration number AS 1541-25," the Police stated.

During preliminary interrogation, Abdul Sadat Ali allegedly implicated Samad Issahaka, 24, the driver of a Kia Rhino with registration number AS 7337-23, as a member of the robbery gang. Police subsequently arrested him, leading investigators to uncover the alleged conspiracy involving the victim's driver.

Investigators established that businessman Yahaya Seidu, 35, owner of the Kia Rhino, had instructed Samad Issahaka to drive him to Buipe to purchase cattle. Unbeknownst to him, the driver allegedly informed five accomplices that his employer was carrying GH¢300,000 in cash.

Police dismantle deadly highway robbery syndicate linked to multiple attacks

The suspects reportedly trailed the businessman from Offinso in the Ashanti Region before intercepting the vehicle shortly after it passed the Portor Police Barrier.

Armed with a toy pistol, they allegedly robbed the businessman of the cash.

Police counter-terrorism personnel, supported by the local patrol team, pursued the fleeing suspects into a nearby bush and arrested Abdul Rahman Mashud, 21; Asigri Avoka, 25; Awini Stephen, 19; and Faisal Salifu, 26.

A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of the entire GH¢300,000 allegedly stolen from the businessman.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted they had been tipped off by Samad Issahaka and had followed the Kia Rhino from Offinso before carrying out the robbery.

DCOP Sadique-Osei praised the professionalism and swift response of the officers involved in the operation.

"We are pleased that our men on the ground acted with speed and precision. Crime will not pay in this region," he indicated.

All six suspects remain in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations.

The Ghana Police Service has also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, particularly when travelling with substantial sums of money.

MRA/VPO

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