The Tema Regional Police Command has foiled a planned armed robbery attack in the Afienya–Mataheko area following a fierce exchange of gunfire with suspected robbers in the early hours of Monday, December 29, 2025.
The operation, which was intelligence-led, resulted in the death of four suspected members of a notorious robbery gang believed to have terrorized parts of the Tema Metropolis and its surrounding communities for years.
According to the Police, the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate received credible information on Friday, December 27, 2025, that a group of ex-convicts was preparing to carry out armed robbery attacks within the metropolis. Acting swiftly, officers were deployed to conduct surveillance in identified hotspots.
At about 1:00 a.m. on Monday, police officers spotted four suspects attempting to break into a residential property at Afienya–Mataheko. When officers moved in to arrest them, the suspects opened fire, leading to a violent exchange of gunshots.
During the encounter, four suspects sustained gunshot wounds. Three of them, identified as Kwabena Azuwebi, also known as “Lastman,” Yaro Bawku, and one Faisal, were rushed to the Police Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. The fourth suspect, Kassim Hussein, initially escaped despite being wounded but was later recaptured after police lured him into revealing his hideout. He was taken to hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries.
Police investigations indicate that all four suspects were on the police wanted list for their alleged involvement in multiple armed robbery cases within the region. Kwabena Azuwebi, in particular, had recently been granted court bail after spending a long period on remand in connection with a robbery case.
Items recovered from the suspects included one AK-47 rifle, a Taurus pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition, two cutlasses, and two Royal motorbikes, one of which was unregistered while the other bore registration number M-25-GT-4243. All exhibits have been secured for further investigations.
The bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited at the Police Hospital Mortuary pending autopsy, while investigations continue to track down possible accomplices and establish links to other criminal networks operating in the region.
Commending the officers involved, the Tema Regional Police Command praised their courage, professionalism, and dedication. The Command also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for his leadership and support.
The Police have assured residents of Tema and surrounding communities of their continued commitment to maintaining law and order and called on the public to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information.
The Command also issued a strong warning to criminal elements, stressing that crime does not pay and that the Police will relentlessly pursue offenders until they are brought to justice.
The briefing was signed by ASP Dede Dzakpasu, Head of Public Affairs, Tema Regional Police Command.
Story by Sheila Otuo – Baffour