The Ghana Police Service have uncovered and dismantled a violent criminal network behind the robbery and murder of Andrews Amankwa (also known as Mr.
The Ghana Police Service have uncovered and dismantled a violent criminal network behind the robbery and murder of Andrews Amankwa (also known as Mr. Karikari), the father-in-law of Sammy Gyamfi, in a major breakthrough that has exposed the operations of a notorious carjacking syndicate operating across southern Ghana.
The Ghana Police confirmed on Monday, February 23, 2026, that four suspects had been arrested in connection with the crime, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation.
The announcement was made by the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, during a press briefing at the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters.
According to police investigations, the suspects were part of a highly organised criminal network known as the “Duku Syndicate”, a gang believed to have specialized in violent carjacking, particularly targeting high-value vehicles such as Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser, pickups across the Ashanti and Western regions.
The Criminal Network and Arrests
Police revealed that between February 18 and February 22, 2026, four key members of the syndicate were arrested.
They are Akwasi Manu (47), Bashiru Tanko (alias “Tiki”, 33), Kwadwo Amponsah (alias “Kamakaze”), and Emmanuel Kwame Appiah (alias “Tola”).
Investigators also confirmed that the alleged leader of the gang, Eric Antwi Duku, died after sustaining gunshot wounds during a confrontation with police officers, effectively collapsing the leadership of the syndicate.
A major breakthrough in the case occurred on February 18, when police arrested Akwasi Manu in possession of a mobile phone traced to the late Andrews Amankwa.
This discovery triggered further operations that led to the arrest of the remaining suspects and the exposure of the wider criminal network.
Andrews Amankwa was attacked on February 10, 2026, at Ohwim Amanfrom in Kumasi, during what police described as a violent robbery operation.
He was shot by the attackers, who made away with his Toyota Hilux vehicle (registration number GN 6647-25).
He was rushed to hospital and placed under medical care, but despite efforts by doctors to save his life, he succumbed to his injuries on February 18, 2026.
The killing sent shockwaves through both political and public circles, not only because of the brutality of the crime, but also due to the family connection to a prominent public figure.
Family And Public Background
The deceased was the father of Irene Amankwaa Karikari, who married Sammy Gyamfi in December 2022. The couple’s marriage ceremony, held in Accra, was attended by family, friends, and notable political figures, making the family well-known in public circles.
Since news of the murder broke, public attention has remained high, with calls for justice, stronger policing, and tougher action against organised violent crime.
Police Assurance
Addressing the media, the IGP assured Ghanaians of the police administration’s commitment to confronting violent crime head-on. He described the operation as part of a broader national strategy to dismantle organised criminal networks and restore public confidence in security.
“This is not just about one case,” police officials indicated. “It is about breaking the structures of violent syndicates that terrorise communities, target innocent citizens, and undermine public safety.”
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