A 26-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly attempting to steal an armoured vehicle belonging to the Ghana Police Service in a dramatic daytime incident at Nkawie in the Ashanti Region.
The suspect, identified as Ebenezer Frimpong, was apprehended following a high-speed pursuit by a SWAT team along the Abuakwa-Kumasi stretch. The incident, which occurred around 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, has since drawn widespread attention due to its bold nature and the involvement of a police vehicle.
According to a police situational report, the armoured vehicle, with registration number GP 1131, was being driven by Lance Corporal Joshua Denkyi of the Formed Police Unit (FPU). He was transporting the vehicle from Nkawie to a regional police workshop in Kumasi for servicing.
Police say the situation unfolded near the Nkawie Market when the officer temporarily parked the vehicle to purchase medication from a nearby pharmacy. Reports indicate that the engine was left running during this brief stop, creating an opportunity that the suspect allegedly exploited.
Frimpong, who was reportedly passing by at the time, is said to have quickly entered the vehicle and driven off, leaving both the officer and bystanders stunned. An alarm was immediately raised, prompting a rapid response from the Ashanti Regional Police Command.
A SWAT patrol team led by Inspector Benjamin Nartey, consisting of seven tactical officers, was dispatched to intercept the vehicle. The ensuing chase lasted approximately 30 minutes and ended at Mim, near Abuakwa, where the suspect was successfully apprehended.
The stolen armoured vehicle has since been recovered and retained as evidence, while Frimpong has been placed in police custody. Authorities confirmed that he was initially held at the Abuakwa District Police Command before being transferred to the Ashanti Regional Criminal Investigations Department for further questioning and investigation.
The incident has raised concerns about operational safety procedures, particularly regarding the handling of high-security vehicles. Observers note that leaving such a vehicle running and unattended, even briefly, presents significant security risks.
Police are expected to continue investigations into the matter, including determining whether the suspect acted alone and what his intentions were after taking control of the vehicle.
The case highlights both the responsiveness of law enforcement and the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols when handling sensitive equipment. Further updates are expected as investigations progress.
