A week after an alleged machete attack by prison officers and inmates, the family of Opoku Afriyie, a resident of Kenyasi No. 2 in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region, is calling for a prompt investigation and justice. Afriyie, a sound system operator and commercial motorcycle rider, is receiving treatment at the Asutifi North District Hospital for injuries sustained during the incident. According to the family, the incident occurred over an alleged yam theft.
The family expressed concern that no arrests have been made a week after the incident. Afriyie's mother questioned the disparity in the handling of the case, stating that if her son had attacked officers and inmates, he would have been arrested and prosecuted long ago. She also expressed worry that her son might be permanently deformed due to the attack. Afriyie has severe abdominal, head, eye, and waist pain, and some of his fingers and hands have been deformed.
Kwaku Oppong, Afriyie's uncle, stated that security personnel have a constitutional obligation to respect the rights and dignity of persons suspected of wrongdoing. He emphasized that no one is guilty until proven so with evidence and that Afriyie was only a suspect. Oppong added that the prison officers should have known better and acted accordingly. The family's account of the incident has not been independently established.
Nana Anokye Pimsan Barima, Afriyie's elder brother, expressed disappointment over the incident and stated that the family was considering further action if it was not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation. He alleged that Afriyie pleaded with the prison officials that he was not a thief, but they refused to listen and attacked him over yams. The family is seeking justice and financial assistance towards Afriyie's medical expenses.
The Ghana Police Service is yet to issue a public statement on the incident or announce any arrests. However, the Asutifi District Police Command, led by Superintendent Harold Yamoah Ponkor, says investigations are ongoing. The police investigation aims to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the identities and roles of persons involved and whether any criminal offenses were committed.
The incident has raised concerns about the handling of suspects by security personnel. The family's call for justice and prompt investigation has sparked debate about the need for security personnel to respect human rights and dignity. The community is also calling for calm and urging the police to thoroughly investigate the incident.
The Kenyasi community is anxiously waiting for the outcome of the investigation. The family of Opoku Afriyie is still seeking justice and financial assistance towards his medical expenses. The incident has highlighted the need for security personnel to exercise restraint when dealing with suspects and to respect human rights and dignity.
Key points
- The family of Opoku Afriyie is calling for a prompt investigation and justice after an alleged machete attack by prison officers and inmates.
- The incident has raised concerns about the handling of suspects by security personnel and the need to respect human rights and dignity.
- The police investigation is ongoing, and the community is anxiously waiting for the outcome.
