By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (VR), March 15, GNA – Some youth of Keta in the Volta Region are calling on their leaders to petition the new Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tete Yohunu, to investigate the death of Jerry Kpesenu, popularly called “Maya”, a 45-year-old landlord, who died in Police custody.
The youth accused the Police at Keta of beating and molesting Maya to death, while he was under their custody.
Mr. Philip Abotsi, a youth activist at Keta, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, accused the former IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare for not putting enough effort to investigate and punish the culprits.
“I can’t tell why the immediate past IGP was not able to launch thorough investigation into our brother’s death, and I am urging our youth leaders to petition the new IGP to handle this alleged murder case, and l believe the new IGP is capable,” he said.
He said that the action of the police hierarchy and other relevant authorities under the former leadership of police undermined justice delivery for the deceased which also demonstrated disrespect to the family and the youth in the area.
He charged the family, the youth groups and other stakeholders to follow up with the case and fight against injustice and Police brutality in the area.
Mr. Abotsi expressed frustration over the delay in seeking justice, stating that “justice delayed is justice denied, and we are demanding that the new IGP take immediate action to investigate Maya’s death and bring those perpetrators to justice.”
Master Sedem Atsu Awadzi, another youth at Dzelukope, a suburb of Keta, told the GNA that the youth are calling for an autopsy results conducted to determine the true cause of Maya’s death and interdiction of officers allegedly involved and to set up a fresh committee to investigate the incident.
“Keta police have been using brute force to arrest people, which led to the death of Maya, we demanding that the police be held accountable for their actions and that justice be served.”
The death of Maya has sparked outrage in the Keta community and beyond, with many calling for justice and accountability while the youth were determined to ensure that those responsible for Maya’s death are brought to book.
The late Kpesenu was allegedly arrested and tortured by the Keta police on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in his house after a tenant lodged complaint against him for ceasing some working tools belonging to an electrician, who had visited the premises to fix an air-conditioning system in one of the rooms.
GNA investigations also revealed that the tenant failed to inform Landlord ‘Maya’ about the intention of the installation, and that led to a misunderstanding between the workers and the deceased while complaint was later lodged for his arrest.
The announcement of the death of the deceased under the police custody sparked speculations and allegations of police unprofessional conduct and brutality that lead to the deceased’s death.
The Concerned Youth of Keta earlier held press conference and demonstrations in protest of their colleague’s death which they demanded for independent investigation into the case as well as private autopsy to get to the button of the case.
Mr. Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpe, the Member of Parliament of the Keta has earlier petitioned the former IGP on the alleged death of Mr. Kpesenu, who died in police custody at Keta Divisional Police headquarters, but with no result.
Some citizens have died in the hands of the Police in bizarre circumstances in Ho, Akatsi and Hohoe, whose investigations are outstanding.
GNA
MA/BM