A Ghanaian family is calling for a prompt investigation and justice after their relative, Opoku Afriyie, was allegedly attacked with machetes by prison officers and inmates at the Kenyasi Settlement Camp Prison. Afriyie, a sound system operator and commercial motorcycle rider, sustained severe injuries and is receiving treatment at the Asutifi North District Hospital. The incident occurred about a week ago, and the family is expressing concern that no arrests have been made.
According to the victim's family, Afriyie was attacked over an alleged yam theft. His 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. The family is seeking justice and financial assistance towards Afriyie's medical expenses. Afriyie remains in hospital, experiencing severe abdominal, head, eye, and waist pain, with some of his fingers and hands deformed due to the injuries.
The victim's uncle, Kwaku Oppong, emphasized that security personnel have a constitutional obligation to respect the rights and dignity of persons suspected of wrongdoing. He stated that the Constitution of Ghana promotes equality before the law and absolute protection of human rights and dignity. Oppong added that no one is guilty until proven so with evidence, and Afriyie was only a suspect who should not have been subjected to such violence.
Nana Anokye Pimsan Barima, Afriyie's elder brother, expressed disappointment over the incident and said the family is considering further action if it is 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. Barima warned that if justice is not served, the family and community members will organize demonstrations to demand justice for Afriyie.
The Ghana Police Service has not issued a public statement on the incident or announced 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 who may have been involved and whether any criminal offenses were committed.
The family's account of the incident has not been independently established, and the circumstances leading to Afriyie's injuries remain subject to police investigation. The incident has sparked concerns about the handling of suspects by security personnel in Ghana. The case highlights the need for thorough investigations and accountability in cases of alleged police brutality.
The incident has also raised concerns about the welfare of prisoners and the methods used by prison officials to handle suspected theft. As the investigation continues, the family and community are calling for justice and action to be taken against those responsible for Afriyie's injuries. The police investigation is expected to shed more light on the incident and determine the necessary course of action.
Key points
- The Ghanaian family of Opoku Afriyie demands justice and a thorough investigation into his alleged machete attack by prison officers and inmates.
- The incident has sparked concerns about police brutality and the handling of suspects by security personnel in Ghana.
- The police investigation is ongoing, and the family is seeking justice and financial assistance towards Afriyie's medical expenses.
