The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has arrested a suspected car-snatching kingpin, William Opoku, popularly known as “Father Blessing,” in a major crackdown on vehicle theft in Kumasi and its surrounding areas.
The suspect was picked up during an intelligence-led operation at Ahwiaa, near Kumasi, after police uncovered hideouts allegedly used by him and his gang at Ahwiaa and Pankrono.
According to police sources, William Opoku admitted during interrogation to his involvement in a series of car thefts across the Ashanti Region. These include the stealing of multiple Toyota Corolla vehicles at locations such as the Anwiankwanta–Asanso road, Pankrono, Moro Market, and Anloga Junction in Kumasi.
Investigators revealed that the suspect subsequently led them to a workshop where one of the stolen vehicles, a white Toyota Corolla, was found undergoing repairs and was successfully retrieved.
Police further disclosed that Opoku also confessed to participating in an attack on a police officer at Kronum Brokutu on July 5, 2025, during which an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition were stolen.
The suspect identified several alleged accomplices, including Prince, also known as “Killer Wooah”; Suley, alias “Shangu Spirit”; Bonkro, alias “Okoronko”; Aki; and Yaw Antwi.
A follow-up police operation on June 17, 2026, led officers to three of the suspects travelling on an unregistered Honda PCX motorbike. During an attempt to arrest them, the rider reportedly knocked down a police officer and opened fire while fleeing the scene.
Police returned fire, fatally wounding Suley, also known as “Shangu Spirit,” and another suspect identified as “Long Story.” Bonkro, alias “Okoronko,” managed to escape and is currently on the run.
The injured suspects were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital morgue pending autopsy.
Police say Suley had been linked to several car-snatching incidents in the region, including those at Anwiankwanta–Asanso, Anloga Junction, and Moro Market, as well as the attack at Kronum Brokutu.
Authorities also believe the stolen AK-47 rifle was kept by William Opoku for safekeeping.
William Opoku remains in police custody and is assisting with ongoing investigations.
The police command has assured the public that efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects, particularly Bonkro, alias “Okoronko,” and to recover the stolen vehicles, the AK-47 rifle, and ammunition.
