The Eastern South Regional Police Command has arrested ten suspects and retrieved nine weapons in separate security operations in Akwatia ahead of the upcoming by-election. The weapons, comprising eight pump-action guns and one locally manufactured single-barrel gun, were seized in a series of snap checks and targeted operations aimed at curbing unlawful possession and use of firearms during the polls.
On August 22, 2025, police near St. Dominic Hospital intercepted a vehicle driven by Bernard Kumi Ofosu, recovering a Tulpar double-barrel pump-action gun, four AAA live cartridges, and two blank cartridges. Although Ofosu produced a licence for the firearm, he remains in custody while the weapon undergoes verification. At the Akwatia Y-Junction snap check, officers arrested Joshua Amenuku after finding 15 live BB cartridges on him. A subsequent search at his residence uncovered an ADLER Tulpar pump-action gun and five more cartridges.
Later the same day, police at the Boadua Livingstone checkpoint arrested Enoch Asiedu and Lu Youyan, a Chinese national, after four live cartridges were discovered in a Toyota Hilux pickup. The ammunition was reportedly linked to their employer, identified only as Mohammed, who is being sought by police.
In another operation on August 23, officers arrested Pieterson Joseph at Boadua Livingstone Junction with an ADLER Tulpar pump-action gun and 46 cartridges in his vehicle. The suspect admitted ownership. That evening, a Toyota Tundra pickup with registration WR 5535-13 was intercepted at Staff Village, Boadua. A search uncovered three pump-action guns — a Pardus, a Hulglu Atroe, and another unidentified brand. Stephen Nkansah, who claimed ownership of two of the guns and said the third belonged to his chief, was arrested.
The Eastern South Regional Police Command says the operations form part of intensified efforts to secure the Akwatia by-election, stressing that similar measures will continue to ensure peace before, during, and after the polls.
Source: Jonathan Adjei
