Sign in Subscribe
Police departments

Eight-Year Manhunt Ends in Arrest of Prime Suspect in Brutal Murder of Ghanaian Policeman

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The unsolved murder of Corporal Frank Essel, a SWAT Unit driver with the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service, sparked a nationwide manhunt that lasted eight long years. The case, which shocked the nation, finally saw a breakthrough with the arrest of the prime suspect, Michael Owusu Ansah, alias 'Baby Last,' on April 2, 2025. The events of May 19, 2016, unfolded around 9 PM when a gang of masked armed robbers stormed the Open Space Hotel, leading to the fatal shooting of Corporal Essel. The police launched a thorough investigation, which led to the arrest of Abena Serwaa, the alleged mastermind behind the robbery, on June 6, 2016. However, Ansah, the suspected triggerman, evaded capture for nearly a decade, frustrating law enforcement and the public.

Key Takeaways:

  • The eight-year manhunt for the prime suspect, Michael Owusu Ansah, alias 'Baby Last,' culminated in his arrest on April 2, 2025.
  • Ansah confessed to his involvement in the 2016 robbery and murder of Corporal Frank Essel, as well as other crimes across Kumasi.
  • Police recovered GHS66,950, suspected to be proceeds from drug sales, along with other exhibits from Ansah.
  • Five suspects, including Ansah, were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court on May 13, 2025, and remanded in custody.
  • The Ashanti Regional Police Command, under intense pressure, vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice after the brutal murder of Corporal Essel.
  • The case involved a prolonged stalemate, with Ansah's accomplices evading capture, before the breakthrough arrest of Ansah and four others.
  • The Ashanti Regional Police Command reported that Ansah had been on the wanted list since 2016, during the tenure of Commissioner (Rtd) Kofi Boakye.

Statistics:

  • GHS1,487: amount of cash recovered from Abena Serwaa, alleged mastermind behind the robbery, on June 6, 2016.
  • GHS66,950: amount of suspected proceeds from drug sales recovered from Ansah, along with other exhibits.
  • 8 years: duration of the manhunt for Ansah, alias 'Baby Last.'
  • 2016: year of the brutal murder of Corporal Frank Essel.
  • April 2, 2025: date of Ansah's arrest.
  • May 19, 2016: date of the armed robbery and murder of Corporal Essel.
  • June 4, 2025: scheduled next court appearance for the five suspects.
  • 6 suspects: total number of individuals arrested in connection with the case, with one still at large.

Sources:

  • Ghana Web, May 15, 2025.
  • Ghana Police Service.

Read more