The Upper West Regional Police Command has made a breakthrough in a string of murder cases that have unsettled the region since 2021, following the arrest of two key suspects.
The Regional Police Commander explained that the arrests came after months of sustained intelligence gathering, investigations, and operations aimed at solving 15 murder cases, including the recent killing of a night security guard in Wa.
Timeline of Cases
Between 2021 and 2022, 15 murders were recorded across the region, many involving night watchmen attacked while on duty. Victims were typically strangled or fatally struck on the head with cement blocks and other blunt objects.
Four of the cases occurred in 2021 at Kpaguri, Loho, Kambale-Mangu, and along the Kaleo–Loh stretch. In 2022, 11 more incidents were reported in locations including the Kulpong-Yeyiri road, Napogbakole extension, Goripie near Bulenga, TI Ahmadiyya School, the Sawmill area, and near the Child Support Orphanage.
The latest case was on September 21, 2025, when 55-year-old night watchman Issah Yahaya was found dead at a motor mechanic shop at Dobile, near the Wa New Market.
Police discovered a bloodstained cement block, a knife placed on the deceased’s face, and another cement block with blood behind the shop. A post-mortem by the Upper West Regional Hospital confirmed the cause of death as severe head injury due to blunt force trauma.
Breakthrough and arrests
To track down the perpetrators, the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, deployed a special investigative team from the National Headquarters to assist the regional command.
On October 3, 2025, police arrested the first suspect, 25-year-old Mahamuda Lamin. His interrogation provided leads that resulted in the arrest of a second suspect.
With the support of the Assemblyman and residents of Dondoli, police arrested 30-year-old Sherrif Abdulai, also known as Saani, Mohammed, or Critos, on October 6. Abdulai, an ex-convict and cobbler, was picked up at Adabiya, a suburb of Wa.
A search on him revealed a Villaon keypad phone and an X-Base solar-powered portable radio, both identified as property of the late Issah Yahaya. Abdulai, however, claimed he bought the items at a galamsey site in Bole.
Police say investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be processed for court.
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