Ghana Police have made a major breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of the Queenmother of Abamba, Nana Serwaa Gyan Kuma, arresting five suspects — including a sitting chief, in connection with what investigators describe as a premeditated contract killing allegedly motivated by land and traditional leadership disputes.
Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohonu made the announcement at a press briefing, confirming that the Ghana Police Service had deployed a joint team of intelligence officers, cyber units, anti-robbery teams and regional command officers to investigate the killing, which took place on February 25, 2026.
According to police, Nana Serwaa Gyan Kuma, who operated a restaurant called Ohema’s Kitchen, was ambushed by gunmen after returning home from work. She was shot multiple times as she alighted from her vehicle at her residence in Atebubu. Officers who arrived at the scene recovered three spent 9mm cartridges. A post-mortem conducted on May 23, 2026, by Dr Ernest Boakye of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital confirmed she died from massive haemorrhage caused by gunshot wounds.
The breakthrough came following the arrest of suspects in Kasoa on an unrelated robbery matter. During interrogation, one suspect, Abdul Razak Ibrahim Langa, also known as Zak, allegedly disclosed that he was present when the Queenmother was shot. His confession led investigators to identify Nana Yaw Bediako, alias Nana Yaw, as the alleged shooter.
Bediako subsequently confessed and named Nana Owusu Sankofi II, also known as Charles Kofi Owusu, chief of Akokoa, as the person who allegedly contracted the killing for GH¢50,000. Investigators also linked a convicted inmate currently serving a sentence at Ankaful Maximum Security Prison, Ishaku Alhassan alias Sule Yagani, as an alleged intermediary in the plot. Two further suspects — Raymond Agyemang Darko, the Abakomahene of Akokoa, and a driver, Bukari Amadu — have also been arrested.
Investigations suggest the murder was arranged through intermediaries, with GH¢21,000 allegedly used to procure a pistol and ammunition, and additional payments made via mobile money after the killing. Forensic analysis of phones reportedly revealed communication between key suspects using a SIM card procured specifically for the operation.
In a dramatic development, police revealed that when the chief of Akokoa was arrested, he allegedly attempted to bribe officers with GH¢200,000 to secure his release, making an immediate payment of GH¢100,000, which has been retained as evidence.
On May 19, a joint police team escorted suspects to Atebubu for a reconstruction of events, during which they allegedly demonstrated how the attack was carried out, including how they followed the Queenmother to her residence before opening fire.
Bono East Regional Police Commander Osei Shaibu confirmed that five suspects are currently in custody assisting investigations, while three others have been arraigned before the Techiman District Court and remanded.
The IGP assured the public that security operations in the Atebubu area would continue. “These operations will continue so that law-abiding citizens can live their lives and carry out their normal business activities without any fear of criminal attacks,” he said.
