Kumasi: The Ashanti Regional Police Command, in collaboration with the Inspector-General of Police's Special Operations Team (SOT), has arrested 186 suspects during a series of intelligence-led operations targeting organised crime across the Ashanti Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the operations, conducted between June 8 and 17, 2026, aimed to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal networks involved in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, narcotics trafficking, unlawful possession of firearms, and other related offences. A press statement from the Regional Public Affairs Unit, shared with the Ghana News Agency, detailed that the coordinated operations were executed at locations including Asafo, Kenyase Aframa, Asokwa, Buokrom, Krofrom, Atonsu-Bokuro, Asawase, and Old Tafo Ahenbronum.
The statement revealed that the suspects included 86 Ghanaians, 96 Nigerians, and four Togolese nationals. A significant breakthrough occurred on June 9 at Kenyase Aframa, where police apprehended a suspect known as Gladys Ibrahim, also referred to as 'Mama Gee', along with the 96 Nigerian nationals and four Togolese nationals. Preliminary investigations by the police indicated that the suspects were connected to a transnational criminal network engaged in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, narcotics trafficking, and other organised criminal activities.
The operations also resulted in the rescue of several individuals believed to be victims of exploitation, including some minors. The statement noted that the minors had been separated from the suspects and placed under protective care in accordance with established child protection protocols. It further mentioned that foreign nationals identified as victims of exploitation were being processed with the Ghana Immigration Service for necessary immigration and repatriation procedures.
The Police Command praised the professionalism and dedication of the Special Operations Team and officers of the Ashanti Regional Police Command for the successful execution of the operations. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network, with all suspects remaining in police custody or assisting with investigations.