Wanted Car-Snatching Suspect Arrested in Shootout that Left Two Others Killed
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has arrested a suspect wanted for a series of car-snatching robberies and vehicle thefts in the Ashanti Region, after a shootout that left two other suspects dead.
The suspect, William Opoku, also known as “Father Blessing,” was arrested during an intelligence-led operation at Ahwiaa near Kumasi.
Police said they had identified hideouts used by him and his gang at Ahwiaa and Pankrono before moving in.
During interrogation, Opoku admitted involvement in several vehicle thefts. These include a Toyota Corolla stolen on the Anwiankwanta–Asanso stretch, a police officer’s Toyota Corolla taken at Pankrono, another Corolla at Moro Market, and a white Toyota Corolla at Anloga Junction, all in Kumasi.
He led police to recover the white Corolla from a workshop where it was being repaired.
He also confessed to involvement in the July 5, 2025, attack on a police officer at Kronum Brokutu, during which an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition were stolen.
Opoku identified his accomplices as Prince alias “Killer Wooah,” Suley alias “Shangu Spirit,” Bonkro alias “Okoronko,” Aki, and Yaw Antwi. Police launched a follow-up operation on 17th June 2026 and spotted Suley alias Shangu Spirit, Bonkro alias Okoronko, and another suspect on an unregistered Honda PCX motorbike.
While attempting to arrest them, the rider allegedly knocked down a police officer and opened fire while fleeing.
Police returned fire. Suley alias Shangu Spirit and another suspect identified as “Long Story” sustained gunshot injuries and died, while Bonkro alias Okoronko escaped.
Police say Suley alias Shangu Spirit had been linked to car-snatching cases at Anwiankwanta–Asanso, Anloga Junction and Moro Market, as well as the Kronum Brokutu attack. The stolen AK-47 rifle is believed to be with William Opoku alias Father Blessing for safekeeping.
The injured suspects were rushed to Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival.
Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
William Opoku is currently in police custody assisting with investigations.
The Ashanti South Command says efforts have been intensified to arrest remaining accomplices, including Bonkro alias Okoronko, and to recover the stolen vehicles, the AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
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