Youth of Assin Swedru Akuapem in the Assin Central Municipality of the Central Region have issued a strong warning, threatening to burn down the Twifo Praso Police Station following the alleged death of their 40-year-old relative and friend, George Annim, while in police cells.
In a statement to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohohu, the aggrieved youth appealed to the IGP to intervene urgently and ensure an independent investigation into the case to uncover the circumstances surrounding Mr Annim’s death.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Larbi Danquah told GNA that the family was demanding justice for their relative.
He stated that the family was deeply sad about the events that led to Mr Annim’s death and wanted the IGP to intervene.
The Odikro of Assin Swedru Akuapem, Nana Kwesi Osew Asare I, also condemned the incident and appealed for an independent body other than the Ghana Police Service to investigate the matter for transparency and fairness.
Responding to the issue, the Twifo-Atti-Morkwa District Police Commander, DSP Bismark John Setuchie, explained that the deceased was transferred from the Assin Awisem Police Station over a defilement case involving a 14-year-old girl.
He said the suspect was scheduled to be sent to the Assin Kyekyewere Circuit Court last Friday, November 29, but he complained of feeling unwell around 2200hrs on Thursday.
Police officers reportedly rushed him to the hospital, where he later died.
The commander added that for serious offenses such as murder, defilement, and rape, the police did not have the authority to grant bail unless it was ordered by a court.