Accra: Police officers on routine patrol operations in the Wa West District have arrested three suspects for openly holding firearms and ammunitions without authority.
According to Ghana News Agency, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Francis Yiribaare, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, stated that the arrests were made on Monday, February 3, 2026. The suspects have been identified as Yahaya Samad, 27, Adams Alhassan, 37, and Yiritang Boosi, 35.
During their patrol, the police team noticed a group of about five men in the community of Goziri, near Vieri, each armed with a single-barrel gun and a cutlass, posing a potential threat to public safety. Upon seeing the approaching police patrol vehicle, the suspects attempted to flee. However, the patrol team swiftly pursued and successfully arrested three of them.
A search at the scene revealed three single-barrel guns, three cutlasses, and 23 cartridges. The suspects were taken to the police station, where they admitted to not having licenses for the firearms and ammunition.
The Wa Magistrate Court, led by Mr. Simon Kofi Bediako, has since remanded the suspects, who are expected to reappear on February 18, 2026. Efforts are ongoing to capture the remaining suspects who escaped.
The Upper West Regional Police Command praised the patrol team's vigilance and professionalism and warned the public, especially those with unlicensed firearms, to regularize their documents or face decisive police action. The Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region and called for public support and collaboration.