The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has arrested a wanted suspect linked to a series of violent car snatching and vehicle theft cases across the Ashanti Region, while two alleged accomplices have died following a gun exchange with police during a follow-up operation.
The suspect, identified as William Opoku, popularly known as “Father Blessing,” was picked up during an intelligence-led operation at Ahwiaa near Kumasi after police tracked hideouts believed to be used by him and his gang at Ahwiaa and Pankrono.
According to a statement from the police on Thursday June 18, 2026, Opoku admitted during interrogation to being involved in multiple vehicle thefts, including the stealing of a Toyota Corolla along the Anwiankwanta–Asanso stretch, a police officer’s Toyota Corolla at Pankrono, another at Moro Market, and a white Toyota Corolla at Anloga Junction, all within Kumasi.
He reportedly led investigators to recover one of the stolen vehicles—a white Toyota Corolla—which was found at a workshop where it was undergoing repairs. He further confessed to participating in an attack on a police officer at Kronum Brokutu on 5 July 2025, during which an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition were stolen.
Opoku also named several alleged accomplices, including Prince alias “Killer Wooah,” Suley alias “Shangu Spirit,” Bonkro alias “Okoronko,” Aki, and Yaw Antwi.
Following his disclosures, police mounted a follow-up operation on 17 June 2026, during which officers intercepted Suley alias “Shangu Spirit,” Bonkro alias “Okoronko,” and another suspect, identified as “Long Story,” as they rode an unregistered Honda PCX motorbike.
Police say that during an attempted arrest, the rider allegedly knocked down a police officer and opened fire while fleeing. Officers returned fire, leading to the fatal injury of Suley alias “Shangu Spirit” and the other suspect, “Long Story.” Bonkro alias “Okoronko” managed to escape.
The injured suspects were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Investigators say Suley alias “Shangu Spirit” was linked to multiple car snatching and vehicle theft cases, including incidents at Anwiankwanta–Asanso, Anloga Junction, and Moro Market, as well as the attack on the police officer. The stolen AK-47 rifle is also believed to be in the possession of Opoku for safekeeping.
The Ghana Police Service says William Opoku is currently in custody assisting ongoing investigations. Efforts have also been intensified to arrest the remaining suspects and recover stolen vehicles, the AK-47 rifle, and ammunition.
SOURCE: MAVIS FANTEVI
