The Ghana Police Service has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against organised crime following a series of intelligence-led operations that led to the arrest of 186 suspects across several communities in the Ashanti Region.
The operations, conducted between June 8 and June 17, 2026, were carried out by the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team (SOT) from the National Police Headquarters in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Police Command.
According to a statement signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, the operations formed part of a strategic effort to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks involved in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, narcotics trafficking, unlawful possession of firearms and other related offences.
Acting on intelligence gathered through surveillance, target profiling and operational planning, the police conducted coordinated raids in several locations, including Asafo, Kenyase Aframa, Asokwa, Buokrom, Krofrom, Atonsu-Bokuro, Asawase and Old Tafo Ahenbronum.
The operations resulted in the arrest of 186 suspects made up of 86 Ghanaians, 96 Nigerians and four Togolese nationals.
One of the most significant breakthroughs occurred on June 9 at Kenyase Aframa, where police arrested a woman identified as Gladys Ibrahim, popularly known as “Mama Gee,” along with 96 Nigerian nationals and four Togolese nationals.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects are linked to a transnational criminal syndicate allegedly involved in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, narcotics trafficking and other organised criminal activities.
The police also rescued several individuals believed to be victims of exploitation during the operation.
Some of the victims were identified as minors and were immediately separated from the suspects and placed under protective care in line with child protection protocols.
Authorities disclosed that foreign nationals identified as victims are being processed in collaboration with the Ghana Immigration Service to facilitate the necessary immigration and repatriation procedures.
The Police Service commended the professionalism and dedication of personnel from the Special Operations Team and the Ashanti Regional Police Command, whose joint efforts contributed to the success of the operations.
Investigations are ongoing as security agencies work to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
The police indicated that all suspects remain in custody or are assisting with ongoing investigations.
