News
Eight Highway Robbery suspects arrested in Ashanti North Police Operation
The Ashanti North Regional Police Command has arrested eight suspected highway robbers in a special intelligence-led operation following a robbery attack on the Mampong–Ejura Highway.
In a press release dated March 31, 2026, and signed by the Ashanti North Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Felix Apedo, the police said the suspects were linked to a robbery incident that occurred on March 26, 2026, at the Aframso Bridge.
According to the statement, six armed men attacked a driver, Appiah Joseph, who was transporting 14 passengers in a Ssangyong minibus from Kumasi to Atebubu. The attackers reportedly robbed the victims of cash and mobile phones.
The police explained that after the incident, they gathered intelligence and mounted surveillance on the suspects.
Acting on the information, a special operations team, in collaboration with personnel from the NOD Surveillance Unit in Accra, moved to Amakwa Dadey Hotel at Ejura on March 30, 2026.
The statement noted that upon arrival, the officers found the suspects allegedly sharing money believed to be proceeds from the robbery. Eight suspects were subsequently arrested.
They were identified as Amidu Sajo, Ibrahim Sule, Karim Hadu, Malik Jibrilla, Yusifa Asakoko, Umaru Issifu, Damani Yamba, and Ibrahim Iddrisu, also known as “Bule.”
The police further stated that Iddrisu, who was on the wanted list for previous robbery cases, attempted to escape during the operation. While being pursued, he reportedly attacked an officer with a cutlass and tried to seize a service weapon.
In the process, he sustained gunshot wounds to his left leg and arm.
He was rushed to the Mampong Government Hospital and later referred to the Jamasi Pope John Paul Hospital, where he was pronounced dead while receiving treatment.
Police said several items were retrieved during the operation, including two rounds of AK-47 ammunition, three cutlasses, an amount of GHC 15,717.00, eight mobile phones, a talisman, an ID card, and a side bag.
The remaining suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with investigations.
The command indicated that the operation is ongoing to arrest other suspects and retrieve additional weapons.
It added that the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Mampong Government Hospital morgue for preservation and further action.
The Ashanti North Regional Police Command assured the public of its commitment to fighting highway robbery and ensuring safety, and urged residents to continue cooperating with the police.
By: Jacob Aggrey
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
