The Ghana Police Service has arrested three individuals for unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition during a routine patrol operation in the Wa West District of the Upper West Region.

According to the Upper West Regional Police Command, the suspects were picked up on Monday, February 3, 2026, after officers encountered a group of about five men openly carrying weapons at Goziri, a community near Vieri.

Police said the men were armed with single-barrel guns and cutlasses, raising concerns about public safety in the area.

Upon spotting the approaching patrol team, the suspects reportedly attempted to flee. However, officers pursued them and successfully arrested three of the individuals.

The suspects have been identified as Yahaya Samad, 27; Adams Alhassan, 37; and Yiritang Boosi, 35.

A search conducted at the scene led to the retrieval of three single-barrel guns, three cutlasses and 23 BB cartridges.

During interrogation, the suspects admitted they had no licences to possess the firearms and ammunition.

They have since been remanded by the Wa Magistrate Court, presided over by His Worship Simon Kofi Bediako, and are expected to reappear on February 18, 2026. Police say efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects who managed to escape.

The Upper West Regional Police Command commended the vigilance and professionalism of the patrol team and urged members of the public, especially those in possession of unlicensed firearms, to regularise their documentation or face legal action.

The command also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the region and called for continued public support and cooperation.