Keta: 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 known as '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.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Philip Abotsi, a youth activist at Keta, accused the former IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare of not putting enough effort into investigating and punishing the culprits. "I can't tell why the immediate past IGP was not able to launch a 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 I believe the new IGP is capable," he said.
He added that the actions of the police hierarchy and other relevant authorities under the former leadership undermined justice delivery for the deceased, which also demonstrated disrespect to the family and the youth in the area. He urged the family, 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, "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 autopsy results to determine the true cause of Maya's death, the interdiction of officers allegedly involved, and the setup of 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 are 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. The youth are 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 a complaint against him for seizing 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, leading to a misunderstanding between the workers and the deceased, which later resulted in a complaint for his arrest.
The announcement of Maya's death in police custody sparked speculations and allegations of police unprofessional conduct and brutality leading to his death. The Concerned Youth of Keta earlier held a press conference and demonstrations in protest of their colleague's death, demanding an independent investigation into the case and a private autopsy to get to the bottom of the matter.
Mr. Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpe, the Member of Parliament for Keta, had earlier petitioned the former IGP regarding the alleged death of Mr. Kpesenu, but no results were forthcoming. Some citizens have died in the hands of the police in bizarre circumstances in Ho, Akatsi, and Hohoe, whose investigations are outstanding.
