The Tema Regional Police Command has foiled an armed robbery attempt at Afienya-Mataheko in the Tema Metropolis following a violent confrontation with suspected members of a notorious robbery gang, leading to the death of four suspects.
Addressing the media, the Command said the operation was part of sustained efforts to curb armed robbery within the Tema Metropolis and its surrounding communities, where a gang of about 15 suspected robbers has been operating for some time. Some members of the gang have previously been arrested and put before court, while others remain at large.
According to the Police, on Friday, December 27, 2025, the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Tema Region received credible intelligence that a group of ex-convicts was planning to carry out armed robbery attacks in the area.
Acting swiftly on the information, officers were deployed and placed on surveillance.
In the early hours of Monday, December 29, 2025, at about 1:00 a.m., police officers spotted the suspects attempting to force their way into a residential property at Afienya-Mataheko.
When officers moved in to effect an arrest, they were met with heavy gunfire from the suspects, resulting in an exchange of fire.
During the encounter, four armed robbery suspects were shot. Three of them—identified as Kwabena Azuwebi, also known as “Lastman,” Yaro Bawku, and Faisal—were rushed to the Police Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival.
A fourth suspect, Kassim Hussein, who sustained gunshot wounds, initially escaped but was later recaptured after police successfully lured him into revealing his hideout.
He was taken to the hospital for treatment, but later died while receiving medical care.
Police investigations revealed that all four deceased suspects were on the police wanted list for their alleged involvement in a series of robberies within the region. Kwabena Azuwebi, in particular, was recently granted court bail in a robbery case after a long period on remand.
Items recovered from the suspects include one AK-47 rifle, one Taurus pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition, two cutlasses, and two Royal motorbikes—one unregistered and the other bearing registration number M-25-GT-4243. All exhibits have been retained to aid ongoing investigations.
The bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited at the Police Hospital Mortuary pending autopsy, while investigations continue to identify possible accomplices and establish links to other criminal activities.
On behalf of the Regional Commander, DCOP Barnabas Nasumong, the Police commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism, courage, and dedication.
Special appreciation was also extended to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for his leadership and support.
The Tema Regional Police Command assured residents of Tema and surrounding communities of its continued commitment to maintaining law and order and urged the public to support the Police with timely and credible information.
The Command also issued a strong warning to criminal elements, stressing that crime does not pay and that offenders will be relentlessly pursued.
The briefing was delivered by ASP Dede Dzakpasu, Head of Public Affairs, Tema Regional Police Command.
