Police Crack Down on Gun Possession Ahead of By-Election in Akwatia
As part of ongoing security operations ahead of the Akwatia by-election on September 2, 2025, the Eastern South Regional Police Command has arrested ten suspects and seized nine firearms in separate operations within the Eastern Region. The Ghana Police Service shared the update on its official Facebook page on Monday, August 25, 2025. The police have intensified efforts to prevent the unlawful possession and use of weapons during the electoral process, seizing a total of eight pump-action guns, one locally manufactured single-barrel gun, and various cartridges.
Key Takeaways:
- Ten suspects were arrested in separate operations at Akwatia for possession of firearms and ammunition.
- Nine firearms were seized, including eight pump-action guns, one locally manufactured single-barrel gun, and various cartridges.
- The police intercepted a vehicle driven by one of the suspects, leading to the discovery of one Tulpar double-barrel pump-action gun, four live cartridges, and two blank cartridges.
- A search at the suspect's residence uncovered one ADLER Tulpar pump-action gun and five additional live cartridges.
- Preliminary interrogation revealed that the ammunition allegedly belonged to the employer, one Mohammed, who remains at large.
- As part of the intensified security operations, police on duty at the Boadua Livingstone Junction snap check point arrested Pieterson Joseph after retrieving one ADLER Tulpar pump-action gun and 46 live cartridges.
- A Toyota Tundra pick-up was intercepted with three pump-action guns, including one Pardus pump-action, one Hulglu Atroe pump-action, and another pump-action gun.
- Suspect Stephen Nkansah claimed ownership of two of the guns and stated that the third belonged to his chief, and has been arrested for investigation.
Statistics:
- 9 firearms were seized, including 8 pump-action guns, 1 locally manufactured single-barrel gun.
- 97 cartridges were retrieved in total, including 46 AAA live cartridges, 46 BB cartridges, 5 additional live cartridges.
- 10 suspects were arrested in connection with the seized firearms and ammunition.
Sources:
- Ghana Police Service (August 25, 2025) - "Police arrest man with three pump-action guns at Boadua checkpoint".
- Ghana Police Service (August 25, 2025) - "Police arrest suspects at Akwatia Y-Junction snap check".
- Ghana Police Service (August 25, 2025) - "Police reaffirm commitment to maintaining law and order ahead of Akwatia by-election".