Police nab suspect after armed attack on commercial vehicle

Four passengers are currently receiving treatment at the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital following a violent armed robbery attack at Buduatta Junction on the Kasoa-Winneba Highway.

The incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. when suspected armed robbers blocked a section of the highway and began robbing commuters at gunpoint.

A Toyota Hiace minibus carrying several passengers came under attack when the driver attempted to stop. In the process, the robbers opened fire, injuring four passengers.

According to the Central East Regional Police Command, the assault forms part of a concerning pattern of armed robbery cases reported within the Gomoa East District between May and June. Prior attacks have occurred near Potsin Junction and Okyereko Junction.

Police believe that due to intensified security presence and checkpoints in previously targeted areas, the robbers may have shifted their operations to Buduatta Junction.

Officers from the Formed Police Unit (FPU) and the Kasoa Divisional SWAT team were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of the attack. The injured victims were promptly transported to the hospital, while the attacked minibus was escorted to the Dominase District Police Command for further examination.

During a follow-up patrol around 2:30 a.m. near the Onion Market, officers spotted two individuals acting suspiciously. One suspect fled into the bush, but the other was successfully apprehended. A search on the arrested suspect revealed three mobile phones belonging to the victims. He was positively identified by the driver and some of the passengers.

The suspect is currently in police custody at the Central East Regional Police Command for further interrogation. Meanwhile, the four victims remain hospitalised.

Officers at the Gomoa Dominase District Police Command have expressed frustration over inadequate logistics. They cited a lack of vehicles and insufficient personnel as major obstacles in their efforts to effectively combat the surge in highway robberies.

They are calling on the government and the Inspector General of Police to urgently provide the necessary support to enhance security operations and protect commuters along the highway.