Four Upper West Police officers honoured for disrupting armed robbery syndicate
Four police officers in the Upper West Region have been honoured for their bravery and intelligence-led operation that led to the disruption of a notorious armed robbery syndicate operating in parts of the region.
The officers—General Sergeant Mortsi Kwashie Divine, Detective Sergeant Salifu Ishmael Aketisiwin, General Corporal Ernest Ameyaw Akumfi and General Corporal John Bekaar Vitus—were recognised by the Upper West Regional Security Council at a ceremony held in Wa on Monday, September 7, 2026.
The officers were honoured for their role in identifying and arresting suspected members of the syndicate believed to have carried out a series of violent robberies in parts of Wa West and the Wa Municipality.
Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, said the gang had operated in Nyoli, Kulmasa, Ga, Kpenateng, Kulkpara, Dapoha, Pissi, Gadi and Chogsia, creating fear and insecurity among residents.
He said the syndicate’s latest reported attack at Kpenateng Junction on August 1, 2026, was particularly brutal, with the victim allegedly suffering severe machete wounds after resisting the attackers.
“The mentioned Police Officers have demonstrated acts of exceptional courage, initiative and commitment to duty in a coordinated intelligence-led operation which resulted in the disruption of a very notorious robbery syndicate,” DCOP Yiribaare stated.
According to the Regional Police Command, sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordination by the four officers, under the guidance of the Wa District Police Command, resulted in the arrest of 6 suspected members of the syndicate on August 8 and 10, 2026.
The suspects are currently before the court for trial, while 2 other alleged members, including a suspected armourer, remain at large and are being pursued by the police.
DCOP Yiribaare disclosed that investigations had established that the gang allegedly robbed victims of about GH¢25,344, comprising GH¢22,070 in cash and GH¢3,274 obtained through forced Mobile Money transfers.
The police also recovered 7 mobile phones, some of which were reportedly identified by victims as their property.
The Regional Police Commander said the officers’ performance “far exceeded the ordinary requirements” of their duties, bringing relief to thousands of residents and helping to restore confidence and economic activity in the affected communities.
He further disclosed that the 4 officers had already been promoted on August 12 by the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Management Board in recognition of their exceptional performance.
Upper West Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Council, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, commended the officers for their courage, professionalism and commitment to protecting lives and property.
He stressed that the fight against armed robbery required more than police action, noting the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration and active community participation.
“This ceremony is more than a presentation of awards. It is a solemn recognition of the men and women who have demonstrated that the protection of life, property and public safety requires courage, discipline, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to duty,” he stated.
Mr Puozuing urged the awardees to regard the recognition as both an honour and a greater responsibility, encouraging them to maintain high standards of integrity, accountability, professionalism and respect for human rights.
“Courage must always be exercised within the law, and the authority entrusted to the Police must continually be used responsibly and in the public interest,” he cautioned.
The Regional Minister assured residents that security remained a priority for the Regional Coordinating Council and pledged continued support for security agencies in intelligence gathering, coordination, community engagement and the prevention of violent crime.
The 4 officers were presented with plaques at the ceremony in recognition of their contribution to disrupting the criminal network and improving security in the affected communities.
