Prime News Ghana

Police arrest 10, retrieve 9 weapons ahead of Akwatia by-election

By Vincent Ashitey
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The Eastern South Regional Police Command has arrested ten suspects and retrieved nine firearms in a series of security operations in Akwatia, Eastern Region, ahead of the upcoming by-election.

The seized weapons include eight pump-action shotguns and one locally manufactured single-barrel gun, with several rounds of live cartridges. Police say the operations form part of ongoing efforts to prevent the unlawful possession and use of weapons before, during, and after the polls.

On 22nd August 2025, officers intercepted a vehicle near St. Dominic Hospital, driven by Bernard Kumi Ofosu. A search revealed a Tulpar double-barrel pump-action gun and ammunition. Ofosu, who produced a valid license for the weapon, is in custody assisting investigations, while the firearm has been retained for verification.

At a separate snap check at Akwatia Y-Junction, police arrested Joshua Amenuku after finding 15 live cartridges on him. A search at his home later uncovered an ADLER TULPA pump-action gun with additional ammunition.

That same evening, a Toyota Hilux pick-up was intercepted at the Boadua Livingstone snap checkpoint. Two suspects — Enoch Asiedu and Lu Youyan, a Chinese national — were arrested after police found four live cartridges in the vehicle. The ammunition allegedly belonged to their employer, identified as Mohammed, who is currently being sought by police.

The following day, 23rd August 2025, police once again arrested a suspect at the Boadua Livingstone Junction snap check. Pieterson Joseph was found with an ADLER TULPAR pump-action gun and 46 rounds of ammunition in his vehicle, which he admitted owning.

Later that day, officers on duty at Staff Village, Boadua, stopped a Toyota Tundra pick-up (WR 5535-13). A search uncovered three pump-action guns — a Pardus, a Huglu Atroe, and another yet-to-be-identified shotgun. The driver, Stephen Nkansah, claimed ownership of two and said the third belonged to his chief. He has since been detained for investigations.

The Eastern South Regional Police Command has assured the public that security will remain tight before, during, and after the Akwatia by-election.