The Tema Regional Police Command has thwarted an armed robbery attempt at Afienya-Mataheko in the Tema Metropolis after a fierce shootout with suspected members of a notorious robbery gang, resulting in the deaths of four suspects.
Briefing the media, the Command explained that the operation formed part of sustained measures to combat armed robbery in the Tema Metropolis and surrounding communities. The police noted that a gang of about 15 suspected robbers has been active in the area for some time, with some members already arrested and facing trial, while others remain at large.
The Police said that on Friday, December 27, 2025, the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Tema Region received credible information indicating that a group of ex-convicts was planning to carry out armed robbery attacks in the area. Acting promptly, officers were deployed and placed on surveillance.
In the early hours of Monday, December 29, 2025, at approximately 1:00 a.m., officers spotted the suspects attempting to enter a residential property at Afienya-Mataheko forcibly. When police moved in to arrest them, the suspects opened fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
Four suspected armed robbers were shot during the confrontation. Three of them—Kwabena Azuwebi, also known as “Lastman,” Yaro Bawku, and Faisal—were rushed to the Police Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. The fourth suspect, Kassim Hussein, who sustained gunshot wounds, initially escaped but was later recaptured after police successfully lured him into disclosing his hideout. He was taken to the hospital for treatment, but later died while receiving medical care.
Investigations revealed that all four deceased suspects were on the police wanted list for their alleged involvement in a series of robberies within the region. Kwabena Azuwebi, in particular, had recently been granted court bail in a robbery case after spending a long period on remand.
Items retrieved from the suspects included one AK-47 rifle, one Taurus pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition, two cutlasses, and two Royal motorbikes—one unregistered and the other bearing registration number M-25-GT-4243. All exhibits have been retained to support ongoing investigations.
The bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited at the Police Hospital Mortuary pending autopsy, while investigations continue to identify possible accomplices and establish links to other criminal activities.
On behalf of the Regional Commander, DCOP Barnabas Nasumong, the Police commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism, courage, and dedication. Special appreciation was also extended to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for his leadership and support.
The Tema Regional Police Command reassured residents of Tema and the environs of its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order and urged the public to provide timely and credible information to assist police work. The Command also issued a strong warning to criminal elements, stressing that crime does not pay and that offenders will be relentlessly pursued.
The briefing was delivered by ASP Dede Dzakpasu, Head of Public Affairs, Tema Regional Police Command.
