Police rescue kidnapping victim, arrest four suspects in Kumasi

Story by: Regina Bless

The Central North Regional Police Command has disrupted an alleged kidnapping, torture and extortion syndicate following an intelligence-led operation that resulted in the rescue of a 30-year-old man and the arrest of four suspects.

The operation, code-named “Operation Rescue the Victim and Arrest the Perpetrators,” was conducted under the strategic coordination of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohonu, with personnel from the Central North Regional Command, CID Headquarters and the Ashanti Regional Police Intelligence Department (PID) working together.

Police said the operation was led by DCOP Abraham Acquaye, with support from Regional Crime Officer Chief Superintendent Agyemang Badu, the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit and other specialised personnel.

The victim, identified as Bismarck Amo, was reportedly lured from Assin Fosu to Kumasi following a dispute over an alleged financial transaction. Police preliminary investigations indicate that upon his arrival in Kumasi, he was allegedly abducted and held captive at a private residence between September 6 and September 11, 2026.

Four Suspects Arrested

The four suspects currently in police custody have been identified as:

• Mavis Badu Acheampong, 42, a teacher at Kumasi Girls Senior High School and resident of Breman UGC.
• Charles Doku, 53, a security guard and resident of Breman UGC.
• Oteng Baffour, 31, an electrician and resident of Breman UGC.
• Kenneth Opoku Kwarteng, alias “Culture,” whose age was not immediately confirmed and who is also reported to be a teacher at Kumasi Girls Senior High School.

Police say the suspects are assisting with investigations.

Alleged Torture and Ransom Demand

According to preliminary police findings, the victim was allegedly held captive and subjected to severe abuse while his family was pressured to pay ransom.

Police said the suspects allegedly demanded GH¢45,000, claiming the money was connected to an alleged financial loss and expenses incurred in locating the victim. The family reportedly paid GH¢19,500 through mobile money, but the victim was allegedly not released.

The suspects allegedly continued to demand an additional GH¢30,500, reportedly threatening the victim’s life if the money was not paid.

Police further alleged that videos of the abuse were sent to the victim’s family as part of the extortion effort.

Police Intercept Transfer and Rescue Victim

The victim’s family reported the incident to the Regional CID in Assin Fosu on September 8, 2026, triggering the police rescue operation.

On September 11, police said the suspects, apparently sensing that law enforcement was closing in, attempted to move the victim to another location.

According to the police, tactical teams intercepted the suspects during the attempted transfer and rescued Bismarck Amo, who was found in critical condition.

He was immediately transported to a medical facility, where he remains admitted under police protection and is receiving medical treatment.

Police Launch Manhunt

The four arrested suspects remain in custody as police prepare to present them before court.

The Police Administration has also launched a manhunt for a senior military officer allegedly linked to the case, as well as other accomplices who remain at large.

The Police Service has strongly cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that disputes over money or other grievances must be addressed through lawful channels.

The Police Administration has assured the public that investigations will continue until all persons allegedly connected to the syndicate are identified and brought before the law.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue.