The Central Regional Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with a violent attack at New Winneba in the Gomoa East Municipality, which resulted in the deaths of three people and left at least 15 others injured. The suspects, according to the Police, are 52-year-old Kweku Kakraba; 19-year-old Arko Thomas; 19-year-old Samuel Tulasi; 22-year-old Samuel Gyasi; 22-year-old Emmanuel Okyere; and 22-year-old Seth Osei.
The arrests form part of ongoing investigations into the incident, which involved a large group of people allegedly armed with guns, stones, cutlasses and sticks. According to the Central Regional Police Command, approximately 300 people stormed the New Winneba Township at about 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
The group, reportedly from Gomoa Oguakrom, Gomoa Yenkuadze and Gomoa Pomadze, allegedly invaded shops and residential areas, attacking residents and causing damage to properties. The sudden attack reportedly created panic among residents and business operators in the community, with several people sustaining injuries during the violence.
The Police said 15 people, including a police officer, were injured in the incident. The injured persons were subsequently transported to the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba, where they received medical attention. However, the incident turned fatal, with three people confirmed dead by the medical officer on duty.
The circumstances leading to the deaths remain under investigation as the Police work to establish what triggered the attack and identify other individuals who may have been involved. As part of efforts to gather evidence, the Police retrieved a locally manufactured single-barrel gun and an empty AAA cartridge from the scene.
The recovery of the weapon and ammunition has heightened concerns about the level of violence involved in the incident and the possible use of firearms during the attack. The Police have not indicated whether the recovered gun was used in any of the reported attacks or linked it to any of the deaths. Further investigations are expected to establish the circumstances under which the weapon was used or brought to the scene.
The six suspects currently in custody are expected to assist investigators in establishing the identities and roles of other persons who participated in the attack. The Police are also likely to examine reports of alleged looting and destruction of property as part of the broader investigation.
Following the incident, security has been significantly reinforced in New Winneba and surrounding communities. Personnel from the Winneba, Agona Swedru and Mankessim Divisions have been deployed to the area, alongside a special team from the office of the Inspector-General of Police. The increased security presence is intended to restore calm, prevent further violence and maintain law and order in the affected communities.
The Police deployment also seeks to reassure residents and businesses following the attack, particularly amid concerns that tensions could escalate or lead to retaliatory actions. The Central Regional Police Command has not disclosed the specific circumstances that led to the mobilisation of the large group or whether the incident was connected to an existing dispute between residents of the affected communities.
Investigators are expected to establish the motive behind the attack, determine the extent of property damage and identify all persons who participated in the violence. The Police are also expected to continue gathering evidence and taking statements from victims, witnesses and other persons who may have information relevant to the case.
The authorities have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel as investigations continue. The incident has renewed concerns about community security and the need for prompt intervention when conflicts have the potential to escalate into violent confrontations.
For now, the deployment of additional security personnel is expected to help stabilise the situation in New Winneba while the Police pursue the suspects and work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths, injuries and alleged looting. The six suspects remain in Police custody as investigations continue, with the authorities expected to take further action based on the outcome of the probe.
By: Philbert Amiba Ayuusah