A 26-year-old man is in police custody after allegedly attempting to steal a Ghana Police Service armoured vehicle in broad daylight at Nkawie in the Ashanti Region.
The suspect, identified as Ebenezer Frimpong, was arrested following a swift police response that led to a 30-minute chase along the Abuakwa-Kumasi stretch.
How it happened
According to a police situational report, the incident occurred at about 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
A service driver, Lance Corporal Joshua Denkyi of the Formed Police Unit (FPU), was transporting the armoured vehicle, with registration number GP 1131, from Nkawie to the Regional Police Workshop in Kumasi for servicing.
Police say the officer briefly parked near the Nkawie Market to purchase medication from a nearby pharmacy. The engine of the vehicle was reportedly left running.
It was at this point that Frimpong allegedly seized the opportunity, entered the vehicle, and drove off, catching both the officer and bystanders by surprise.
Police response and arrest
An alarm was immediately raised, prompting a response from the Ashanti Regional Police Command.
A SWAT patrol team led by Inspector Benjamin Nartey, and made up of seven officers, was dispatched to intercept the vehicle. The team pursued the suspect along the Abuakwa-Kumasi road.
The chase ended about 30 minutes later at Mim, near Abuakwa, where Frimpong was arrested and the armoured vehicle successfully retrieved.
What happens next
The vehicle has since been retained as an exhibit, while Frimpong remains in custody at the Abuakwa District Police Command.
He has also been transferred to the Ashanti Regional Criminal Investigations Department for further investigations.
A brief takeaway
While the incident has drawn attention due to its unusual nature, it also highlights the importance of basic safety precautions, particularly when handling official or high-value equipment.
