Atebubu: The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has announced a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the murder of the Queenmother of Abamba, resulting in the arrest of multiple suspects connected to her killing in Atebubu.
According to Ghana Web, Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno highlighted that intelligence-led operations over the past year have led to successful arrests in several violent crimes across the nation. The IGP stated that the police have also made progress in combating cybercrime, including online scams and threats circulated on social media, with sustained operations in Atebubu making it increasingly difficult for criminals to operate freely.
Police confirmed the arrest of suspects linked to the February 25, 2026, murder of Nana Serwaa Gyan Kuma. The Queenmother was tragically shot dead at her Atebubu residence after returning from her restaurant, Ohema's Kitchen. "She was attacked while alighting from her vehicle after closing her restaurant business, Ohema's Kitchen," according to the police. Officers recovered three spent 9mm cartridges at the crime scene, and a post-mortem conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital determined she died from massive haemorrhage due to multiple gunshot wounds.
Following the murder, the IGP deployed a joint team comprising intelligence officers, cybercrime experts, anti-robbery personnel, and regional commanders. The breakthrough came after suspects detained in Kasoa for a planned robbery were interrogated. One suspect, Abdul Razak Ibrahim Langa, alias Zak, allegedly informed the police about the Queenmother's murder, claiming he was present at the time of the shooting. This information led to the arrest of Nana Yaw Bediako, alias Nana Yaw, identified as the alleged shooter. "Nana Yaw Bediako confessed and implicated Nana Owusu Sankofi II, also known as Charles Kofi Owusu, chief of Akokoa, alleging that he contracted them to kill the Queenmother for GHS50,000," according to the police.
Investigators also linked Ishaku Alhassan, alias Sule Yagani, an inmate at Ankaful Maximum Security Prison, to the plot as an intermediary. Two others, Raymond Agyemang Darko, the Abakomahene of Akokoa, and driver Bukari Amadu, have been arrested. Bono East Regional Police Commander Osei Shaibu reported that five key suspects are in custody assisting investigations, while three have been arraigned before the Techiman District Court and remanded.
The police allege that the murder was orchestrated through intermediaries, with money transferred via mobile money. It is alleged that GHS21,000 was used to purchase a pistol and ammunition, with further payments made after the killing. Forensic examination of phones reportedly revealed communication between suspects before and after the crime using a SIM card bought specifically for the operation.
On May 19, a joint police team escorted some suspects to Atebubu for a reconstruction, where they allegedly demonstrated how they ambushed and followed the Queenmother before opening fire. They reportedly later fled to a hotel near the Atebubu market and traveled to Accra the following morning. Police further alleged that during the arrest of the chief of Akokoa, he attempted to bribe officers with GHS200,000, of which GHS100,000 was paid immediately and has been retained as evidence.