3 suspects in car stealing syndicate busted by Central East Regional Police

The Central East Regional Police Command has arrested three individuals suspected of being part of an organised car-stealing syndicate operating in Kasoa and its environs.

The suspects, who include Douglas Kwame Akunnor, a steel bender, Emmanuel Aduah, a trader and Richard Baidoo, an entrepreneur, were arrested in connection with the theft of an unregistered 2021 Hyundai Elantra belonging to a businessman at Kakraba, Kasoa.

According to a police press release dated January 19, 2026, the incident occurred after a man identified as Albert Akwasi Ofori, who is currently on the run, contacted the complainant on November 24, 2025, expressing interest in purchasing the vehicle, which had been advertised for sale.

“Suspect Albert Akwasi Ofori failed to show up but rather sent suspects Douglas Kwame Akunnor and Emmanuel Aduah, who presented a signed cheque with a face value of GH¢210,000.00 to the complainant, ostensibly for the purchase of the car as directed by Albert Akwasi Ofori.

“The complainant released the vehicle to suspects Douglas Kwame Akunnor and Emmanuel Aduah after his account was credited. Soon after the transaction, he noticed that his account was debited with the same amount as initially credited.

“This aroused his suspicion that he had been swindled. He questioned the suspects on the phone, who confirmed having withdrawn the said amount of money and eventually switched off their mobile phones,” the statement added.

Following investigations, Emmanuel Aduah was arrested on January 2, 2026, while attempting to unblock his SIM card in the Western Region.

Further interrogation led to the arrest of Douglas Akunnor, who reportedly confessed to the crime and demonstrated how the operation was carried out.

Although the suspects were initially unable to lead police to the stolen vehicle, intelligence later led to its recovery at Nsakina.

The car had reportedly been resprayed from red to black and fitted with a fake registration number, GX 3856-21.

Richard Baidoo, in whose possession the vehicle was found, was subsequently arrested.

“All three suspects were put before the Ofaakor Circuit Court on 6th January, 2026, and were remanded to reappear on 28th January, 2026. Efforts are underway to arrest Albert Akwasi Ofori, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the crime, to face justice,” the statement read.

The Central East Regional Police Command has assured the public of its commitment to arresting all accomplices and bringing them to face the full rigours of the law.

See the full statement below:



ID/AM