The Ghana Police Service has made a major breakthrough in the murder investigation of the Queenmother of Abamba, Nana Serwaa Gyan Kuma, arresting five suspects — including a sitting chief — over what investigators describe as a carefully planned contract killing linked to land and chieftaincy disputes.
Announcing the development at a press briefing, Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno disclosed that a special joint investigative team made up of intelligence officers, cybercrime experts, anti-robbery operatives and regional command personnel was deployed to unravel the February 25, 2026 murder.
According to police investigations, Nana Serwaa Gyan Kuma, owner of Ohema’s Kitchen restaurant, was ambushed shortly after returning home from work in Atebubu. Gunmen reportedly opened fire on her as she stepped out of her vehicle at her residence. Officers who responded to the scene retrieved three spent 9mm cartridges, while a post-mortem conducted by Dr. Ernest Boakye at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital confirmed she died from severe bleeding caused by multiple gunshot wounds.
Police said the breakthrough emerged after suspects arrested in Kasoa over an unrelated robbery case allegedly confessed to involvement in the Queenmother’s killing during interrogation. One suspect, Abdul Razak Ibrahim Langa, also known as Zak, reportedly admitted he was present during the shooting, leading investigators to identify Nana Yaw Bediako as the alleged gunman.
Further investigations allegedly revealed that Nana Owusu Sankofi II, also known as Charles Kofi Owusu and chief of Akokoa, contracted the murder for GH¢50,000. Police also linked convicted inmate Ishaku Alhassan, alias Sule Yagani, currently serving time at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison, as an intermediary in the operation. Two additional suspects — Raymond Agyemang Darko, the Abakomahene of Akokoa, and driver Bukari Amadu — have also been arrested.
Investigators believe GH¢21,000 was allegedly used to procure a pistol and ammunition for the assassination, while additional payments were reportedly made through mobile money transfers after the killing. Forensic examination of phones is also said to have uncovered communication among the suspects using a SIM card allegedly acquired specifically for the operation.
In another dramatic twist, police disclosed that the chief of Akokoa allegedly attempted to bribe officers with GH¢200,000 to secure his release after his arrest, making an initial payment of GH¢100,000, which investigators say has been retained as evidence.
On May 19, police escorted suspects to Atebubu for a reconstruction exercise, during which they allegedly demonstrated how they tracked the Queenmother to her residence before carrying out the fatal shooting.
Bono East Regional Police Commander Osei Shaibu confirmed that five suspects remain in police custody assisting investigations, while three others have already been arraigned before the Techiman District Court and remanded.
