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Crime and Investigation

Attorney-General Moves to Prosecute Kofi Akpaloo Over GH¢3.17m COCOBOD Funds Diversion

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The Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, has announced plans to initiate legal action against the founder and leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Percival Kofi Akpaloo, over the alleged diversion of GH¢3,169,432.22 paid by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for cocoa road works.

Addressing a press briefing in Accra on Monday, December 22, 2025, Dr Ayine said investigations revealed that Mr Akpaloo and his wife incorporated a company which was used to divert the funds in several tranches. The money, according to him, was meant for a different contractor.

Dr Ayine explained that the suspects would be charged with stealing, forgery, and money laundering. Investigations showed that payments intended for Pomaa Universal Ghana Limited were instead paid into the account of another company, Pomaah Universal Ghana Limited, which was created by Mr Akpaloo using a near-identical name.

He disclosed that COCOBOD awarded a GH¢29.5 million contract in December 2020 to Pomaa Universal Ghana Limited, a company owned by Ekua Pomaa, for cocoa road construction works. However, Mr Akpaloo later incorporated Pomaah Universal Ghana Limited by simply adding the letter “H” to the original company name.

“Between December 2022 and June 2024, Akpaloo collected eight cheques issued by COCOBOD in the name of Pomaa Universal Ghana Limited, totalling GH¢3,169,432.22, and paid them into the account of his own company, Pomaah Universal Ghana Limited, at First Bank Ghana Limited,” Dr Ayine stated.

He said the unusual transactions were flagged by the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), which alerted the bank and prompted investigations by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

According to the Attorney-General, the rightful contractor, Ekua Pomaa, only became aware of the diversion in June 2024 when COCOBOD contacted her regarding outstanding balances on the contract.

“Our investigations show that Ekua Pomaa had no knowledge of the existence of Pomaah Universal Ghana Limited or the diversion of the funds until COCOBOD reached out to her. She later realised that the payments had been collected and redirected without her consent,” Dr Ayine said.

He added that Ms Pomaa also alleged that Mr Akpaloo forged her signature on the COCOBOD contract and used her former name, Mercy Owusu, to secure the agreement without her authorisation.

Dr Ayine further revealed that First Bank Ghana Limited conducted an internal review and confirmed that the cheques were knowingly paid into the wrong account. The bank also admitted lapses in failing to detect the discrepancy between the names on the cheques and the beneficiary accounts.

He said three suspects would be charged, namely Kofi Akpaloo, Pomaah Universal Ghana Limited as a company, and Mrs Delvin Akpaloo.

“It is fast becoming fashionable to commit crimes with spouses these days,” Dr Ayine remarked.

He added that the charges would be formally filed after the Christmas break, when his office resumes work.

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Crime and Investigation

Police Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Two Victims in Nsawam Operation

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Police Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Two Victims in Nsawam Operation

The Nsawam District Police Command has arrested five individuals in connection with the kidnapping of two men travelling from Accra to Anyinam, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation. The victims were rescued safely and are in stable condition.

Police reports indicate that on January 10, 2026, the Command received credible intelligence that the two men had been abducted and moved to an undisclosed location. The suspects allegedly demanded a ransom of GH¢400,000 from the victims’ family and later instructed them to make an initial payment of GH¢5,000.

Acting on the information, officers from the Nsawam District Police, with support from the Suhum Police Command, mounted an operation that led to the arrest of the suspects at a drinking spot near the Suhum Roundabout.

The suspects have been identified as Suleman Salifu, 24; Godfred Owusu, 26; Antwi Bismark, 27; Anas Salis, 38; and Gyamfi Isaac, 33. The victims, Seidu Sambiane, 28, and Ibrahim Alhassan, 42, were rescued during the operation without harm.

A search of an unregistered Acura 4×4 vehicle allegedly used by the suspects resulted in the recovery of several items, including forged GH¢100 and GH¢200 notes, specimen papers cut to the size of currency notes, and an amount of GH¢4,600 in cash. Police also retrieved a pistol, a cutlass, talismans and amulets, as well as five mobile phones.

The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations as police prepare to take further legal action.

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Crime and Investigation

Police Arrest 120 Suspects in Major Crackdown on Drug Dealers and Criminal Gangs in East Legon

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A major police operation aimed at curbing illicit drug activities and criminal gangs in the East Legon area has resulted in the arrest of 120 suspects, including six women.

After the arrests, all suspects were taken to the East Legon Police Station, where screening is ongoing to identify individuals linked to specific criminal activities and those suspected of dealing in illegal drugs.

According to a police report, the operation was led by ACP Saviour Ahiamadi and supported by several senior officers from Police Headquarters. These included DSP Malaika-Jibril Alhassan, DSP Richard Beriko, ASP Afram, ASP Sarpong, and ASP Imoro from the Accra Region.

The exercise was a joint effort involving officers from the Police Intelligence Directorate, the Criminal Investigations Department, the National Operations Directorate, as well as the Accra and East Legon Regional Commands. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the police to enhance security and maintain law and order in the area.

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Crime and Investigation

Three Suspected Robbers Killed in Christmas Eve Gun Battle with Police in Ashanti Region

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Three suspected armed robbers were shot dead during a gun battle with police on Christmas Eve in a bush between Anwiankwanta and the Jacobu Junction in the Ashanti Region.

The suspects were part of a five-member gang that reportedly opened fire on police officers after encountering them during an intelligence-led operation. Two other members of the gang escaped and are currently on the run.

The injured suspects were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital following the exchange of gunfire but were pronounced dead on arrival. They have been identified as Seidu Issah, 29; Musah Yakubu, 35; and Yahaya Munkaila, also known as Tijani, 25. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for preservation and autopsy.

A police situational report (SITREP), sighted by Graphic Online, said investigations are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and recover additional weapons. The report noted that the deceased suspects and their accomplices were wanted in connection with several robberies and killings in Manso, Jacobu, and the Anwiankwanta area.

According to the SITREP, on December 24, 2025, police received intelligence that the gang had assembled in a bush between Anwiankwanta and the Jacobu Junction and were planning to launch an attack along the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi road.

Acting on the information, police carried out an operation using four service vehicles to raid the area. Upon arrival, officers spotted about five young men armed with guns. The suspects allegedly opened fire and attempted to flee through the bush, prompting police to return fire. Three suspects were shot, while the remaining two escaped, reportedly with gunshot wounds.

A search of the area led to the recovery of two pump-action guns loaded with six rounds of ammunition each, one unbranded pistol, and a sack containing 25 live cartridges and six spent cartridges.

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