Police have arrested a man they say is behind a string of car-snatching robberies across the Ashanti Region, and the operation to catch him led to a shootout that left two of his suspected accomplices dead.

The suspect, William Opoku, also known as Father Blessing, was picked up on Thursday, June 18, at Ahwiaa near Kumasi. Police say they'd been tracking him for a while and found his hideouts in Ahwiaa and Pankrono.

During questioning, Opoku admitted to stealing several Toyota Corollas. He named the locations: the Anwiankwanta–Asanso road, a police officer's car at Pankrono, Moro Market, and Anloga Junction in Kumasi. He even led officers to a workshop where one of the stolen cars was being repaired.

But the big confession came when he told police he was involved in an attack on a police officer at Kronum Brokutu on July 5, 2025. During that attack, the officer's AK-47 rifle and ammunition were stolen. Opoku said he was keeping the rifle for safekeeping.

He also gave up names of his crew: Prince (aka Killer Wooah), Suley (Shangu Spirit), Bonkro (Okoronko), Aki, and Yaw Antwi.

On Wednesday, June 17, police acted on that information. They tracked down Suley, Bonkro, and another suspect riding an unregistered Honda PCX motorbike. When officers tried to arrest them, the motorbike rider knocked down a police officer and opened fire.

Police fired back. Suley and another suspect, identified only as Long Story, were hit. Bonkro managed to escape.

The two injured men were rushed to Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies are at the hospital mortuary pending autopsy.

Police believe the stolen AK-47 is still with Opoku, who remains in custody. They're now hunting for Bonkro and the other accomplices, and trying to recover the stolen vehicles and the rifle.

"The police has assured the public of its commitment to combating armed robbery and vehicle theft and bringing all persons connected to the criminal activities to justice," the Ghana Police Service said in a Facebook post.

The Suspect's Criminal Trail

William Opoku's confession links him to at least four car thefts in the Ashanti Region. The stolen vehicles are all Toyota Corollas, a popular model in Ghana that is often targeted by car thieves. The attack on the police officer at Kronum Brokutu last year raised alarm, as it involved the loss of a service rifle.

What Happens Next

Police say investigations are ongoing. They're working to recover the stolen AK-47 and the remaining vehicles. The search for Bonkro, who escaped the shootout, is a priority. Opoku is expected to be put before court once police are done with their inquiries.