10 Arrested, 9 Firearms Seized
The Eastern South Regional Police Command arrested 10 suspects and seized nine firearms in Akwatia, Eastern Region, on August 22–23, 2025, to curb illegal weapon use ahead of the September 2 by-election, triggered by the death of MP Ernest Yaw Kumi.
On August 22, police intercepted Bernard Kumi Ofosu near St. Dominic Hospital, recovering a Tulpar pump-action gun and six cartridges. At Akwatia Y-Junction, Joshua Amenuku was arrested with 15 BB cartridges, with an ADLER Tulpar gun found at his home.
Later that day, Enoch Asiedu and Chinese national Lu Youyan were detained at Boadua Livingstone Junction with four BB cartridges, linked to their employer, Mohammed, who is now wanted. On August 23, Pieterson Joseph was arrested with an ADLER Tulpar gun and 46 cartridges.
At Staff Village, Boadua, Stephen Nkansah was detained after three pump-action guns were found in his Toyota Tundra (WR 5535-13). He claimed two guns, stating the third belonged to his chief. The seizures include eight pump-action guns and one local single-barreled gun.
The police, deploying 5,000 personnel, vow intensified operations to ensure a peaceful by-election. The crackdown follows a 2024 report noting 2,000 illegal firearms in the Eastern Region, reinforcing efforts to maintain order for Akwatia’s 120,000 voters.