‘Give in your guns’ police shoot four suspected thugs in broad daylight in the Volta Region

According to a report by TV3 Ghana today, January 10, 2025, police officers shot dead four suspected armed robbers in broad daylight in a suburb of Accra.

The event took place near the main market area and sparked concern among traders and customers.

Superintendent James Owusu, the Ashaiman District Police Commander, said police received information about a planned robbery at a local business.

Officers were dispatched to the scene to arrest the perpetrators.

“Our team confronted the suspects and ordered them to surrender their weapons,” Superintendent Owusu said.

“Instead they opened fire and forced us to react.”

Eyewitnesses reported hearing police officers shouting, “Give up your weapons!” before the shooting began. A saleswoman, Ama Mensah, recalled

“I was selling my goods when I heard the police screaming. Then there were shots. “Everyone ran for cover.”

The shooting lasted several minutes and claimed the lives of all four suspects. No police officers or citizens were injured in the exchange.

Superintendent Owusu confirmed that the suspects were armed with firearms and had been carrying out criminal activities in the area.

“These people were known to us through their involvement in several robberies,” explained the commander.

“Their removal is a significant step towards improving security in Ashaiman.”

The bodies of the deceased were sent to the police hospital mortuary for identification and autopsy.

“We are following up on leads to identify any accomplices,” said Superintendent Owusu.

“Our goal is to dismantle any gangs that threaten the safety of our community.”

Local residents’ reactions to the incident were mixed. While some applaud police for their quick response, others are concerned about the use of deadly force in a crowded area.

Kofi Asare, a local shopkeeper, said: “It is great that the police are taking action against criminals, but it is dangerous to kill them near the market in broad daylight. Innocent people could have been hurt.”

Superintendent Owusu responded to public concerns by assuring them that the police are committed to public safety.

“We take the safety of our citizens seriously,” he told me. “Our officers are trained to handle such situations with the utmost care to prevent collateral damage.”

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident or other criminal activity in the area to come forward.

“Community cooperation is vital in our fight against crime,” said Superintendent Owusu.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity to help us maintain peace and security in Ashaiman.”