The Ghana Police Service says it has foiled a planned robbery operation in the Labone area of Accra, killing two suspected robbers and arresting another, but GCB Bank has denied that its Labone branch was targeted or that any robbery attempt occurred on its premises.
The incident happened at about 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, after the police said they received intelligence that a robbery syndicate was preparing to attack three banks in the Labone enclave — GCB Bank, Ecobank and Zenith Bank.
According to the police, a response team was dispatched to the area and spotted the suspects in two vehicles parked close to the banks.
The police said one of the vehicles sped away after the occupants noticed the officers, prompting a pursuit. One occupant was subsequently arrested and identified as Augustine Okechuku Maazi, while another person in the vehicle escaped.
The occupants of the second vehicle also allegedly attempted to flee while firing at the police. The officers returned fire, resulting in a shootout in which two suspects were shot dead.
The identities of the two deceased suspects had not been established by the police as of Thursday night.
Two vehicles — a Toyota Highlander with registration number GS-1434-18 and a Hyundai Tucson with registration number GS 7915-17 — were recovered following the incident. A blow pistol was also retrieved.
The police said the bodies of the two deceased suspects had been deposited at the morgue for preservation, identification and autopsy, while Maazi remained in custody assisting with investigations.
GCB disputes police account
However, GCB Bank has disputed the suggestion that its Labone branch was the scene or target of a robbery attempt.
In a statement, the bank said no robbery or attempted robbery took place at the Labone branch or anywhere on its premises.
“At no point was the bank breached, and customer, member of staff, funds or property of the bank was affected,” the GCB Bank Public Affairs statement said.
The bank assured customers that its Labone branch remained secure and that normal banking operations could continue.
“The Labone branch remains secure, and customers can continue to conduct their banking transactions with confidence,” the statement added.
GCB said it takes the safety and security of its customers, employees and facilities seriously and maintains security measures across its network.
“We remain in contact with the relevant authorities and will continue to monitor developments regarding the incident,” the bank said.
“We wish to reassure all our customers, and stakeholders that GCB Bank remains safe, secure and fully committed to serving them.”
Eyewitness account
The conflicting accounts have raised questions about what exactly preceded the shooting.
According to eyewitness accounts, the police were allegedly pursuing the suspects from the direction of AU Village.
The suspects were reportedly tracking customers who had withdrawn money from another bank, rather than attempting to rob the GCB Labone branch.
The police were said to have received information about the suspected operation and subsequently pursued the men, leading to the shooting that left two dead and one in custody.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
