Interior Ministry Petitioned Over Custodial Death – Calls for Funding for Detainee Food

Introduction

The sudden custodial death of 28‑year‑old Kweku at a police station in the Ahafo Region has sparked a national outcry. Activist Frank Quaye has now formally petitioned the Ministry of the Interior, demanding that the government create a non‑discretionary, ring‑fenced budget to guarantee adequate detainee nutrition. This article explains the background, analyses the systemic issues, and offers practical steps for citizens, NGOs, and policymakers who want to support lasting reform.

Key Points

Background

Incident Overview

On December 10, 2025, Kweku was taken into custody at the Techiman Police Station. According to reports from Crime Check TV GH, he was assaulted and denied food for at least one full afternoon. He later died from injuries linked to both the assault and prolonged starvation. The incident was labelled a “stark symptom of a grave and systemic failure” by the petition itself.

Activist Profile – Frank Quaye

Frank Quaye is a well‑known prison‑reform advocate who has previously filed complaints concerning overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and poor sanitation in Ghanaian detention facilities. His organization, Justice Behind Bars, monitors custodial conditions and issues public alerts when constitutional rights are breached.

Legal Framework Governing Detention in Ghana

Ghana’s legal system protects persons in custody through several statutes:

• Constitution of Ghana – Article 15: Guarantees the right to dignity and prohibits inhuman treatment.
• Prisons Act, 2006 (Act 762): Sets out standards for the treatment of prisoners, including provision of adequate food.
• Police Service Act, 1992 (Act 215): Empowers the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the welfare of detainees.

These laws create a clear obligation for the state to provide food and basic necessities to persons held in police cells.

Analysis

Systemic Failures in Custodial Care

The petition highlights a pattern of neglect that extends beyond a single case. Repeated reports from civil‑society groups indicate that many police stations lack basic kitchen facilities, rely on ad‑hoc donations, and lack oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with nutritional standards. This creates an environment where detainee nutrition becomes an after‑thought rather than a guaranteed right.

Budgetary Constraints vs. Constitutional Obligations

Quaye contends that the excuse of “lack of resources” is constitutionally indefensible. While the national budget is subject to parliamentary approval, the Constitution imposes non‑negotiable duties on the state, including the provision of adequate food for detainees. The petition calls for a ring‑fenced allocation within the Police Service’s annual budget, ensuring that funds earmarked for meals cannot be diverted for other purposes.

Legal Implications of the Current Practice

Denying detainees adequate nutrition can constitute a violation of:

• Article 15 (right to dignity),
• The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Ghana has ratified,
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Article 10, guaranteeing humane treatment of prisoners.

If a court were to find that the state’s failure to allocate funds directly contributed to a death, it could lead to civil liability, disciplinary action against officials, and potential compensation for the victim’s family.

Potential Reforms and Policy Recommendations

To translate the petition’s demands into concrete change, stakeholders could consider:

1. Legislative amendment to the Police Service Act to explicitly require a dedicated line‑item for detainee meals.
2. Establishment of an independent oversight committee, reporting to Parliament, to audit food provision in all police stations.
3. Integration of nutrition standards into the Ghana Prison Service’s operational manuals.
4. Public‑private partnership models that incentivize local farms to supply fresh produce to detention facilities at reduced cost.

Practical Advice

For Citizens Who Want to Support Reform

Individuals can amplify the impact of Quaye’s petition by:

• Sharing verified information on social media using the hashtag #CustodialDeathGhana to increase visibility.
• Signing and circulating the petition on platforms that monitor government accountability.
• Contacting their local representatives to demand that the issue be raised in parliamentary debates on the upcoming national budget.

For NGOs and Advocacy Groups

Organizations can collaborate with the Ministry of the Interior by:

• Providing technical assistance to design a sustainable budgeting model for detainee nutrition.
• Conducting independent assessments of food provision across police stations and publishing findings.
• Offering legal support to families seeking judicial redress when nutritional neglect leads to harm.

For Policymakers and Budget Officers

Key steps include:

• Allocating a specific budget line under the Police Service’s “Detainee Welfare” heading.
• Setting measurable targets for meals per detainee per day, aligned with national nutrition guidelines.
• Creating a transparent reporting mechanism that publishes quarterly spending on detainee food.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly did the petition request from the Ministry of the Interior?

The petition asks the Ministry to (1) launch an impartial investigation into Kweku’s death and (2) introduce a mandatory, non‑discretionary budget line that funds meals for every detainee in police custody.

Why is a “ring‑fenced” budget important?

A ring‑fenced budget ensures that allocated funds cannot be re‑appropriated for other purposes, guaranteeing a steady supply of food for detainees regardless of fluctuating departmental priorities.

Does Ghana’s Constitution guarantee food for detainees?

While the Constitution does not explicitly mention “food,” Article 15’s guarantee of human dignity has been interpreted by courts to include the right to adequate nutrition while in state custody.

Can families sue the state for failing to provide food?

Yes. If it can be demonstrated that the state’s failure directly contributed to a detainee’s death or injury, families may pursue civil claims for damages under Ghanaian tort law.

What role does the Police Council play in budgeting decisions?

The Police Council, which advises on police finances, must approve any new budget line items. Activists are urging the Council to endorse the petition’s proposed allocation for detainee nutrition.

Conclusion

The petition filed by Frank Quaye marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s ongoing struggle to align custodial practices with constitutional and international human‑rights standards. By demanding a dedicated, non‑discretionary budget for detainee food, the activist seeks to transform a systemic vulnerability into a protected right. If the Ministry of the Interior embraces these recommendations, future custodial deaths linked to malnutrition could become a relic of the past, and Ghana would set a powerful precedent for other nations grappling with similar challenges.