In a major breakthrough, the Ghana Police Service has successfully thwarted a planned robbery targeting a gold consignment valued at over 1.3 million Ghana cedis.
This development, which underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, comes as the country continues to grapple with rising concerns over gold robbery syndicates.
The incident unfolded along the Accra–Akuapem–Mamfe road on Thursday, June 26, 2025, when police apprehended three individuals linked to a coordinated attempt to steal gold weighing approximately 1.2 kilograms.
The suspects, identified as Adams Zibo, Massawud Yussif, and Kenneth Khartey, are now in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.
“The Special Support Unit (SSU) of the Ghana Police Service at the National Headquarters commenced the operation on Wednesday, 25th June 2025, following indications that a gold dealer’s driver and a man posing as his bodyguard had conspired to rob the dealer during a scheduled gold delivery the following day.”
Ghana Police Service
Kenneth Khartey was the first suspect to be apprehended on the morning of Thursday, June 26, near Akuapem–Mamfe.
According to the police, he was riding a motorbike and closely following a Toyota Land Cruiser that was transporting the gold consignment.
Officers, who had already been monitoring the situation, moved swiftly to intercept him before any action could be taken. His arrest proved instrumental, providing crucial momentum and intelligence that quickly led to the capture of the remaining suspects.
Later that same day, the other two suspects—Adams Zibo and Massawud Yussif—were arrested at East Legon while traveling in an unregistered blue Hyundai vehicle.
Their detention was part of a carefully coordinated response, made possible by prior surveillance and intelligence indicating that the group had meticulously planned the robbery attempt over several days.
Police operatives executed the arrests with tactical precision, effectively dismantling the plot before it could be carried out.
Police Confirms Suspects Armed, Organized
The police also disclosed that investigations have so far revealed how the trio meticulously planned the operation. Zibo and Yussif had reportedly secured firearms, motorbikes, and a getaway vehicle well in advance of the attempted robbery.
Their responsibilities extended beyond the physical act of robbery—they were allegedly tasked with arranging the post-robbery sale of the gold.
“The gold dealer was rescued safely, and the gold, weighing approximately 1.2 kilograms and valued at GHC 1,350,343.53, was also secured… All three suspects are in custody, assisting the investigation, and will be put before the court.”
Ghana Police Service
The police operation has been hailed as an important victory in the fight against organized gold robbery syndicates.
Gold, being one of Ghana’s most valuable natural resources, has become an attractive target for criminal groups who seek to exploit weaknesses in transport and security systems.
This recent event, however, demonstrates the increasing capability of law enforcement agencies to disrupt such activities before they materialize.
With the rising demand for gold, both locally and internationally, criminal networks are becoming more daring and sophisticated in their approach.
This case illustrates how insider involvement—in this instance, a driver and an accomplice masquerading as a bodyguard—can pose serious risks to security protocols.
The arrested individuals are currently in custody and are expected to be charged in court following the completion of investigations. Their cooperation is likely to reveal more details about how the operation was planned and if additional accomplices were involved.
As the case progresses, authorities are reminding gold dealers and transporters to remain vigilant and to enhance their security measures.
The Police Service, therefore, encouraged the public to report suspicious behavior and provide tips that could help foil similar attacks.
The Ghana Police Service has once again demonstrated the importance of intelligence-gathering and swift action in tackling organized crime.
With suspects behind bars and the gold safely recovered, the case serves as both a cautionary tale and a success story in the battle against gold robbery.
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