The Eastern South command of the Ghana Police Service has arrested ten people and seized nine guns in a security operation ahead of the Akwatia by-election.
The weapons include eight pump-action shotguns and one locally made single-barreled gun.
On August 22, officers intercepted a vehicle near St. Dominic Hospital. The driver, Bernard Kumi Ofosu, was found with a pump-action gun and cartridges. Although he presented a licence, both the weapon and ammunition were kept for verification.
At the Akwatia Y-Junction checkpoint the same day, police arrested Joshua Amenuku with 15 live cartridges. A search of his home uncovered another pump-action gun and additional ammunition.
Later, at the Boadua Livingstone checkpoint, police stopped a Toyota Hilux and arrested two men, Enoch Asiedu and Chinese national Lu Youyan after finding live cartridges. They claimed the ammunition belonged to their employer, Mohammed, who owns the vehicle. Police say he is now wanted.
On August 23, officers at the same checkpoint arrested Pieterson Joseph after discovering a pump-action gun and 46 cartridges in his car.
That evening, police at Staff Village Boadua stopped a Toyota Tundra and found three pump-action shotguns. The driver, Stephen Nkansah, admitted two were his but claimed the third belonged to his chief. He was also arrested.
The Eastern South Regional Police Command says it will sustain the crackdown on illegal arms to ensure peace and security during the by-election.
