In a major pre-dawn operation on Saturday, March 21, 2026, a joint security task force successfully intercepted a significant cache of illegal weapons and apprehended 24 suspects in Sampa Township.
The operation, led by the Bono Regional Police Command in collaboration with the 3rd Infantry Battalion (3BN) and the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI), was a tactical response to growing concerns over the proliferation of arms in the region.
Sampa has remained under a strict 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM curfew following a series of violent chieftaincy-related clashes that have plagued the Jaman North District since mid-2024.
During the sweep, security personnel recovered an alarming variety of weapons and tactical gear. The inventory included:
Firearms & Ammunition: Five pump-action guns, one Baikal gun, two locally manufactured guns, and 790 rounds of AAA & BB cartridges. Notably, a single round of AK-47 ammunition was also found.
Bladed Weapons: 21 machetes, six knives, four bayonets, and five clubs.
Tactical Gear: Two sets of body armour, foreign military jackets, seven pairs of black and desert boots, and six “whiskers.”
Logistics: Eight motorbikes, one rickshaw (Pragyia), 18 mobile phones, and various tools including pliers and chisels.
Among the items seized was an official stamp bearing the name of “Nana Samgba Gyafla II, President, Sampa Traditional Council.” Investigators are currently looking into the significance of this find within the context of the ongoing local leadership dispute.
The ages of the 24 individuals arrested range from 13 to 78, highlighting a worrying trend of minor involvement in local instability.
While the majority are being investigated for weapons possession, two suspects, Sie Emmanuel (28) and Mensah Kofi Emmanuel (18), were specifically cited for breaching curfew regulations.
Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, Public Relations Officer for the Bono Regional Police, stated that the operation is part of a broader “quest to get rid of criminal elements” and ensure the safety of the citizenry.
The suspects are currently in police custody as preparations are made for their prosecution. Security remains tight in Sampa as authorities urge the public to continue providing intelligence to maintain the fragile peace.
Below is the full statement
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