By Daniel Bampoe
What began as a routine journey back from a national event ended in terror when armed highway robbers attacked the convoy of a traditional ruler and Council of State member, Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, the Chiana-Pio, on the Buipe–Tamale highway in the Savannah Region.
The chilling incident occurred on the evening of Sunday, July 20, 2025, near Mile 40, an area that has increasingly become notorious for highway robberies.
According to police reports, the convoy was en route to Kumasi from Tamale after Chiana-Pio had participated in the Northern Development Conference.
The attack, described by police as highly coordinated, involved about 15 armed assailants, some of whom were reportedly masked.
The group emerged from the bush and blocked the highway, opening fire indiscriminately on the convoy.
Among the passengers was the Chiana-Pio’s police bodyguard, who attempted to return fire with his sidearm but was forced to retreat after his weapon jammed.
According to a preliminary police statement, the bodyguard fled into the nearby bush for safety, leaving behind his CZ rifle in the vehicle.
Upon his return, the attackers had disappeared—along with the rifle, mobile phones, cash, and other valuables belonging to the chief, his bodyguard, and the driver.
Items Reported Stolen
The robbers made away with:
A CZ assault rifle belonging to the police escort
An iPhone 13 (police bodyguard)
Two iPhones, a Samsung phone, a Lenovo laptop, and a smart wristwatch
GHS 41,000, USD 200, and CFA 3,000
A pair of reading glasses and a hat belonging to the chief
GHS 800 and an iPhone 11 from the driver
Police investigators recovered three spent BBB cartridges and 15 AK-47 shell casings at the scene, indicating the attackers were well-armed and possibly experienced in ambush tactics.
No casualties were reported, but the psychological impact on the victims—especially given the profile of the target—has raised alarm among security experts.
Police Response and Investigation
The Buipe Police Command confirmed receiving a distress call around 5:00 p.m., prompting the dispatch of a highway patrol team.
However, by the time officers arrived, the attackers had fled into the bush. The Savannah Regional Police Intelligence Directorate has since deployed a team to assist with investigations and has begun working with local informants to track the suspects.
The incident has renewed calls for enhanced security on Ghana’s northern highways, particularly the Buipe–Tamale stretch, which has seen an uptick in robbery cases over the past year.
National Security Concerns
Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, the Upper East Region’s representative on the Council of State, is a respected traditional leader and policymaker.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that efforts are being intensified to apprehend the criminals and recover the stolen weapon, which presents a dangerous threat if it remains in the wrong hands.
