Man Steals Ghana Police Armoured Vehicle in Broad Daylight, Sparks Outrage and Dramatic Chase

A 26-year-old man is in police custody after allegedly stealing an armoured vehicle belonging to the Ghana Police Service in a daring daylight incident that has sparked widespread outrage across the country.

The suspect, identified as Ebenezer Frimpong, reportedly took advantage of a brief lapse in security at the Nkawie Market in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, when the driver of the vehicle stepped out to buy medication, leaving the engine running.

According to a police situational report, the incident occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m. while a service driver, Lance Corporal Joshua Denkyi of the Formed Police Unit, was transporting the armoured vehicle with registration number GP 1131 from Nkawie to the Ashanti Regional Police Workshop in Kumasi for servicing. The officer parked briefly near the market and entered a nearby pharmacy, leaving the vehicle unattended.

Moments later, Frimpong allegedly entered the armoured vehicle and drove off at speed, leaving the officer and bystanders in shock. An alarm was immediately raised, triggering a swift response from the Ashanti Regional Command. A SWAT team, led by Inspector Benjamin Nartey and comprising seven tactical officers, was deployed to track and intercept the stolen vehicle.

The dramatic pursuit covered the Nkawie to Abuakwa stretch and ended about 30 minutes later at Mim, near Abuakwa in the Kumasi enclave, where the suspect was apprehended. Police confirmed that the armoured vehicle was recovered intact and has since been secured as an exhibit.

A security source said, “The suspect was apprehended without further incident, and the vehicle was recovered intact.”

Frimpong is currently in custody at the Abuakwa District Police Command and has since been transferred to the Ashanti Regional Criminal Investigations Department for further interrogation. He is expected to face charges related to the theft of state property.

The incident has generated significant public outrage on social media, with many Ghanaians expressing disbelief that a police armoured vehicle could be stolen so easily. Security officials are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the theft, including why the vehicle was left unattended with the engine running in a public space.

Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing.