Police in the Western Region have arrested five suspects in connection with an armed robbery attack on a Chinese heavy duty machinery company located at Malta, a suburb of Asankrangwa in the Amenfi West Municipality.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred on the evening of March 12, 2026, when a group of armed men stormed the premises of Velotop Company Limited. The attackers were reportedly armed with pump action guns, a pistol and machetes.
During the robbery, the suspects allegedly held workers of the company hostage and handcuffed three Chinese nationals before locking them inside a room. The attackers then stole cash amounting to about 200,000 Ghana cedis along with other valuables before fleeing the scene in a black Toyota Voxy vehicle.
Police quickly launched an operation after receiving information about the incident. A patrol team from the Asankrangwa Police began searching for the suspects and circulated details of the getaway vehicle to nearby checkpoints within the area.
The vehicle was later spotted on the Asankrangwa to Sefwi Bekwai road. Officers stationed at the Sumpre checkpoint intercepted the vehicle and arrested four of the suspects after they attempted to escape from the car.
Items retrieved from the suspects included two pump action guns, several rounds of ammunition, mobile phones, handcuffs, two CCTV decoders and cash amounting to 198,200 Ghana cedis believed to be part of the stolen money.
A fifth suspect, identified as 22 year old Rashid Abdul, was later arrested from his hideout during a follow up police operation on March 13.
According to the police, preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects are residents of Obuasi who travelled to Asankrangwa to carry out the robbery. Authorities believe the group was led by an accomplice believed to be living in Asankrangwa who is currently on the run.
The suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations and are expected to be arraigned before court soon. Police say efforts are ongoing to track down other individuals linked to the robbery.
The Western Regional Police Command has assured residents that it remains committed to maintaining law and order and has encouraged members of the public to provide credible information to help combat crime in the area.
