A/R: Police intercept bus carrying over 1,000 rounds of ammunition to Northern Ghana

Police at the Asankare barrier in the Ashanti Region have intercepted a commercial bus transporting more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition from Accra to northern Ghana, in the latest of a series of security interventions targeting the illegal movement of arms and ammunition.

The vehicle, a Kia Grand Bird bus with registration number AK 1309–21, was stopped during a routine security check by officers on duty at the Asankare Police barrier. A search of the bus uncovered 1,050 rounds of AAA and BB cartridge ammunition concealed in a sack.

The bus was being driven by Mohammed Gzali, aged 42, with Mohammed Jabir, 22, serving as his assistant. The vehicle had 45 passengers on board at the time of the interception.

A police situational report (SITREP) sighted by Graphic Online indicated that the bus was travelling from Accra to Tamale, with Savulegu as its final destination.

According to the report, officers became suspicious during the routine inspection and alerted their superiors. The Divisional Commander, accompanied by the Juaso District Commander and the Juaso District Crime Officer, subsequently arrived at the scene to supervise an extensive search of the vehicle.

“During the search, a sack was opened and found to contain 1,050 rounds of AAA and BB cartridge ammunition,” the SITREP stated.

When questioned, the driver allegedly told police that the sack had been delivered to the bus terminal by an unidentified person as a parcel, which was to be transported to an individual identified only as Oboye in Tamale.

Following the discovery, the bus was immediately impounded, while the ammunition was seized as exhibits for investigations. The driver and his assistant have since been taken into police custody and are currently assisting with investigations.

Police say further enquiries are underway to establish the source of the ammunition and identify all persons connected to the attempted smuggling operation.