Youth Call for Unbiased Probe After Man Dies in Police Custody at Twifo Praso – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

On 29 November 2024, a 40‑year‑old resident of Assin Swedru Akuapem, George Annim, died while being held in a police cell at the Twifo Praso Police Station in Ghana’s Central Region. The incident has triggered a wave of protest from local youth, who are demanding an unbiased probe and greater police accountability. This article analyses the facts that have emerged, explores the legal framework governing police custody in Ghana, and offers practical guidance for families and activists seeking justice.

Analysis

Chronology of Events

• Transfer to Twifo Praso: George Annim was moved from the Assin Awisem Police Station after being arrested on a defilement allegation involving a 14‑year‑old girl.
• Scheduled Court Appearance: He was due to appear before the Assin Kyekyewere Circuit Court on Friday, 29 November 2024.
• Illness and Hospitalisation: At approximately 22:00 on Thursday, Annim reported feeling unwell. Police officers rushed him to a nearby medical facility, where he later died.
• Community Reaction: Youth leaders from Assin Swedru Akuapem issued a warning to “burn down” the Twifo Praso Police Station unless an independent investigation is launched.
• Official Response: District Police Commander DSP Bismark John Setuchie confirmed the timeline and clarified that bail for serious offences (e.g., defilement, homicide, rape) can only be granted by a court order.

Key Actors and Their Statements

• Larbi Danquah – spokesperson for the relatives, told GNA that the family seeks “tough justice” and an impartial inquiry.
• Nana Kwesi Osew Asare I – Odikro (traditional chief) of Assin Swedru Akuapem, condemned the death and called for a transparent, unbiased investigation.
• Christian Tetteh Yohohu – Inspector General of Police (IGP), the youths appealed directly to him for intervention.

Why the Call for an Unbiased Probe Matters

The phrase “unbiased probe” reflects a deep mistrust of internal police investigations, which have historically been perceived as lacking independence in Ghana. International human‑rights standards, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Ghana ratified, require that any death in police custody be examined by an independent body to ensure accountability.

Summary

George Annim’s death in police custody has ignited a strong response from the youth of Assin Swedru Akuapem. The community demands an independent investigation, citing concerns over procedural lapses and the adequacy of medical care provided while he was detained. Police officials have supplied a basic timeline but have not yet released a detailed forensic report. The incident highlights systemic challenges in Ghana’s custodial practices, including limited bail options for serious crimes and gaps in health‑care provision for detainees.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Families of Detainees

1. Document the Timeline: Record every interaction with police, medical staff, and witnesses, noting dates, times, and names.
2. Request Immediate Medical Examination: Under Article 32 of the Ghana Constitution, detainees have the right to adequate medical care. Insist on a full medical report.
3. File a Formal Complaint: Submit a written grievance to the Police Headquarters (Accra) and the Office of the Inspector General of Police.
4. Engage Legal Counsel: A solicitor familiar with criminal procedure and human‑rights law can help file a petition for a judicial inquiry.
5. Contact Human‑Rights NGOs: Organizations such as the Ghana Human Rights Commission can provide advocacy support.

For Activists and Community Leaders

1. Maintain Peaceful Protest: While anger is understandable, violent threats (e.g., arson) can undermine credibility and expose participants to legal repercussions.
2. Use Social Media Wisely: Share verified facts, official statements, and calls for justice using hashtags like #UnbiasedProbe and #PoliceAccountabilityGH.
3. Press for Independent Oversight: Advocate for the formation of a multi‑stakeholder committee, including civil society, the Judiciary, and the Ghana Police Service, to review the case.
4. Document Police Conduct: Video or audio recordings (where legal) of police interactions can serve as evidence if the investigation proceeds.

Points of Caution

While strong emotions are justified, the following risks should be considered:

• Legal Repercussions for Threats of Violence: Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act (Act 29) criminalises intimidation and property damage, potentially exposing protestors to prosecution.
• Media Misinformation: Unverified rumors can spread quickly, damaging the credibility of legitimate demands.
• Potential Retaliation: Families and activists should be aware of possible police surveillance or intimidation and consider security measures.

Comparison with Similar Cases

Deaths in police custody have periodically sparked national debate in Ghana. Two notable examples include:

Case A – The 2022 Death of Kofi Agyeman

• Arrested for alleged theft, died after 48 hours in a Kumasi police cell.
• An internal police inquiry concluded “natural causes,” but the family secured a court‑ordered autopsy that revealed severe dehydration.
• Outcome: The Ghana Police Service introduced a “Detainee Health Monitoring Protocol” in 2023.

Case B – The 2023 Incident in Accra

• Two youths died after a “custody‑related altercation” at the Accra Central Police Station.
• An independent commission chaired by a retired judge investigated, leading to the suspension of several senior officers.
• Outcome: Strengthened oversight mechanisms, including the establishment of a Police Oversight Committee.

Both cases underscore the importance of external, independent investigations. In contrast, the Twifo Praso incident currently lacks an officially mandated independent inquiry, heightening community distrust.

Legal Implications

Under Ghanaian law, the following statutes are directly relevant:

1. Constitution of Ghana (1992) – Article 32 guarantees the right to life and protection against arbitrary deprivation of life, which extends to state agents, including police.
2. Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) – Part 13 – Sets out the procedures for the detention, medical examination, and bail of persons arrested for serious offences.
3. Police Service Act (Act 525) – Requires police officers to provide immediate medical attention to detainees showing signs of illness.
4. Human Rights Act (Act 986) – Aligns domestic law with international human‑rights obligations, mandating independent investigations into deaths in state custody.

Failure to comply with these legal duties could expose the Ghana Police Service to civil liability, criminal prosecution of individual officers, and international scrutiny under the ICCPR and the United Nations’ UN Guidelines on the Prevention of Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions.

Conclusion

The death of George Annim in police custody has become a flashpoint for broader concerns about police transparency and human‑rights protections in Ghana. Youth leaders from Assin Swedru Akuapem have placed a clear demand on the Inspector General of Police: an independent, unbiased investigation that meets both domestic legal standards and international human‑rights obligations. While emotions run high, a measured, legally grounded approach—leveraging constitutional rights, engaging independent oversight bodies, and maintaining peaceful advocacy—offers the best chance of securing accountability and preventing future tragedies.

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