Police Arrest 186 in Major Anti-Crime Operation Across Ashanti Region

The Inspector-General of Police (I.G.P.) Special Operations Team, working with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, has arrested 186 suspects in a major crackdown on organised crime in the Ashanti Region.

The Ghana Police Service announced the breakthrough in a press release issued Monday by the Public Affairs Unit in Kumasi. The arrests followed intelligence-led operations carried out between June 8 and June 17, 2026.

*Targets and Locations*

Police said the operations aimed to disrupt criminal networks involved in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, narcotics trafficking, and unlawful possession of firearms.

Coordinated raids were conducted in Asafo, Kenyase Afram, Asokwa, Buokrom, Krofrom, Atonsu-Bokuro, Asawase, and Old Tafo Ahenbronum after extensive surveillance and target profiling.

*186 Suspects Held*

In total, 186 people were arrested: 86 Ghanaians, 96 Nigerians, and 4 Togolese nationals.

A key breakthrough came on June 9 at Kenyase Afram, where police arrested Gladys Ibrahim, alias “Mama Gee”, together with 96 Nigerian nationals and 4 Togolese nationals.

Preliminary investigations link the suspects to a transnational criminal network involved in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, narcotics, and other organised crimes.

*Victims Rescued*

Several exploitation victims were rescued during the operations. Police confirmed that some were minors. They have been separated from suspects and placed under protective care in line with child protection protocols.

Foreign nationals identified as victims are being processed with the Ghana Immigration Service for immigration and repatriation procedures.

*Ongoing Investigations*

The Ashanti Regional Command praised the professionalism of the Special Operations Team and regional officers who executed the raids.

Investigations are still underway to track and arrest other members of the network. All suspects remain in police custody or are assisting with investigations.

The Ghana Police Service said it remains committed to intelligence-led policing and will sustain operations to combat organised crime and protect public safety.

The release was signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, Head of the Public Affairs Unit for Ashanti.