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Police arrest five suspected robbers over murder and street robberies in Kumasi
The Ashanti Regional Police Command says it has arrested five suspected robbers in two separate intelligence-led operations within the Kumasi Metropolis.
According to the Police, two of the suspects were arrested in connection with the robbery and murder of a 28-year-old woman, Silver Ngozi, at Asokore Mampong on December 6, 2025, around 5:00 pm.
The Police explained that following investigations, a joint team from the Regional Police Headquarters and the Anti-Robbery Unit arrested the two suspects on December 12, 2025, at about 9:00 pm at their hideout in Aboabo, Kumasi.
The suspects, Police said, are Farouk Iddris, a 20-year-old motorbike mechanic and rider, and Salim Mohammed, a 19-year-old motorbike mechanic and rickshaw rider.
Police indicated that preliminary investigations show the suspects robbed the victim, during which one of them allegedly stabbed her, leading to her death.
A search conducted in the room of Farouk Iddris, the Police said, led to the retrieval of knives, a machete, and other offensive weapons. An iPhone 11 Pro believed to belong to the deceased was also recovered.
The Police added that both suspects are currently in custody assisting with investigations and will be put before court.
In a related development, the Police said three other suspects were arrested in connection with a series of street robberies within Asokore Mampong, KNUST, Kanyase, Bosore, Duase, Antoa, Mayanka, Ayeduase, and nearby areas.
The Police identified the suspects as Abdul Fatawu, also known as “UN,” aged 22; Philip Nyarko, also known as “Kawawa,” aged 24; and Samak Hadi, also known as “Toronto,” aged 21.
According to the Police, items retrieved from their hideouts at Aboabo include 59 iPhones, six Android phones, four tablets, and five laptops.
The Police said all three suspects have confessed to the offences in their caution statements and are currently assisting with investigations.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has appealed to members of the public who may have been victims of these robberies to report to the Police to help with investigations.
The Police assured the public that all suspects will be arraigned before court as investigations continue.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has appealed to regional Queenmothers Association to support efforts to achieve 30 per cent women’s representation in leadership by the close of 2026, noting that women remain significantly underrepresented in elected positions.
The ministry said queenmothers had a critical role to play in identifying, mentoring and grooming the next generation of women leaders.
Speaking at an engagement with regional paramount queenmothers, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection and Member of Parliament (MP) of the Krowor Constituency, in the Greater Accra Region, said the ministry required active collaboration from queenmothers to encourage more women to contest elections.
Dr Lartey noted that negative stereotyping and the persistent association of female politicians with promiscuity continued to discourage many competent women from seeking leadership roles.
“The attacks, insults and shaming push many capable women out of the race before they even start,” she mentioned.
She urged queenmothers to provide direct support to young women in their communities who aspire leadership positions.
According to her, such support should include mentoring, coaching and guiding women through the processes of declaring interest, campaigning and navigating political party structures.
Dr Lartey encouraged women to remain persistent in pursuing leadership opportunities despite setbacks.
“Leadership is not always won on the first try. They should not give up if they do not succeed at first,” She added.
Responding on behalf of the association, Nana Otubea II, President of the All Regional QueenMothers Association and Paramount Queenmother of the Nkonya Traditional Council, described the call as laudable and pledged the association’s support towards achieving the 30 per cent target.
She commended Dr Lartey and the ministry for their efforts in advancing the welfare and empowerment of women.
Nana Otubea II also praised Parliament for passing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, describing it as a landmark legislation that would deepen Ghana’s democratic governance architecture.
She said the law would help improve female representation in leadership by mandating progressive targets and promoting gender parity in public life and decision-making.
Nana Otubea II urged that the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act should include the integration of queenmothers into the National House of Chiefs, describing their exclusion as inconsistent with the principles of equity and inclusion.
She further stated that queenmothers play central roles in dispute resolution, chief nomination, community development and women’s mobilisation, yet are sidelined when national chieftaincy policies are formulated.
She called for legal and administrative reforms to permit the election of paramount queenmothers to the National House of Chiefs, suggesting that at least one queenmother from each region be represented. – GNA
