A mobile money vendor in Lashibi has shot and killed one of two suspected armed robbers who allegedly attacked him and made away with GH¢140,000, leading to the recovery of the entire amount.
According to the Accra Regional Police Command, the incident occurred on Friday, July 3, 2026, when two men riding a motorbike targeted the vendor while he was transporting cash.
Police said the suspects opened fire on the vendor’s vehicle, damaging the rear tyre and windscreen before taking the money. However, the robbery took an unexpected turn when the vendor reportedly returned fire as the suspects attempted to flee.
One of the suspects was killed on the spot, while the second escaped from the scene. In the process, the fleeing suspect abandoned the bag containing the stolen cash, allowing police to recover the full GH¢140,000. The vendor was not injured during the attack.
A search on the deceased suspect uncovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines loaded with 55 rounds of ammunition, an additional 11 rounds of live ammunition, GH¢3,000 in cash, a Samsung mobile phone and an identification card bearing the name Innocent Elemuwa Akachukeu, aged 46.
Investigators also retrieved five AK-47 shell casings and two pistol shell casings from the crime scene, highlighting the intensity of the gun battle.
The body of the deceased suspect has been deposited at the Police Hospital mortuary for preservation, autopsy and identification.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the second suspect, who remains at large. The Accra Regional Police Command is appealing to the public to provide any information that could assist in his arrest through the nearest police station or the emergency numbers 18555 and 191.
The incident adds to growing concerns about the safety of mobile money operators across the country. With many agents handling large sums of cash daily, they have increasingly become targets for armed robbery attacks.
The recovery of the stolen money may bring relief to the victim, but the incident has renewed discussions about the need for stronger security measures to protect mobile money vendors, including safer cash transportation systems, improved surveillance and enhanced collaboration between service providers and law enforcement agencies.
Police say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to track down the remaining suspect
