By Nadia Ntiamoah
Police in the Ashanti South Region have launched a full-scale investigation into what appears to be a potentially dangerous arms trafficking case after a 25-year-old man was arrested in possession of more than 200 rounds of assorted ammunition and military-style gear.
The suspect, identified as Yussif Mohammed, was arrested on Wednesday, May 8, 2025, at the Asankare Police Barrier while traveling on a commercial bus heading toward Accra from the Kumasi direction.
According to police sources, the arrest occurred under unusual circumstances—officers stationed at the checkpoint noticed a backpack fall from the bus.
When they inspected the bag, they uncovered a cache of ammunition and suspicious paraphernalia.
Yussif Mohammed immediately admitted ownership of the bag, prompting his arrest on the spot.
A detailed search of the backpack revealed a worrying collection of weaponry and military equipment, raising questions about his intentions and potential affiliations.
Among the recovered items were two empty CZ magazines, one empty G3 magazine, two loaded G3 magazines (each containing eight rounds), one round of BB ammunition, and 35 rounds of CZ ammunition.
Additionally, officers found 47 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 97 rounds of G3 ammunition, and 16 red-headed G3 rounds—ammunition types typically associated with military-grade firearms.
The backpack also contained a bulletproof vest, a crash helmet, two black jackets, a green jacket, and a quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Further inspection turned up two smocks embedded with talismans, two pairs of military trousers, boots, a green pullover, a black pullover, and other clothing items suggestive of combat or paramilitary use.
Briefing journalists, Deputy Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, ACP Cephas Arthur, confirmed the arrest and said investigations were ongoing to determine the suspect’s source of the weapons and clothing, as well as his destination and motive.
“The suspect is currently being interrogated to assist us in unraveling any broader network or criminal intent behind this,” ACP Arthur stated.
Authorities are now working to trace the origin of the weapons and determine whether Yussif Mohammed is part of a wider syndicate operating within or beyond Ghana’s borders.
The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, especially on highways and in transport terminals.
The suspect remains in custody as investigators pursue leads that could reveal whether the cache was intended for criminal operations or linked to a larger arms trafficking ring.
