Sprinter Driver, 26, Paralyzed After Alleged Police Brutality at Ajumako
A 26-year-old sprinter driver, Joshua Arhin, is battling paralysis following an alleged incident of police brutality at Ajumako in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District of the Central Region.
According to a report by Yaw Boagyan, the victim, who works as a commercial driver in Takoradi but hails from Enyan Kokwado, was en route to Ajumako on Monday, July 21, 2024, to repair his faulty vehicle. On his way to the mechanic, he was reportedly stopped by police officers. However, due to the condition of his vehicle, he was unable to halt immediately.
Arhin claims that two police officers on motorbikes pursued and intercepted him. He was allegedly forcefully pulled from his vehicle without any explanation and severely assaulted by the officers, resulting in a broken leg.
He further alleged that two more officers joined the assault, beating him for over 30 minutes despite pleas from bystanders. After the beating, the officers allegedly left him lying helplessly on the ground. Arhin said he had to call his family for assistance before he was transported to the Ajumako Government Hospital and later referred to the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital.
Due to financial constraints, the family could not continue with the hospital treatment and had to return him home for traditional care. His leg remains swollen, and he is unable to walk or stand.
The victim is calling on the Ghana Police Service to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
His mother, who was selling fish at the time, said she received a distress call from her son. Rushing to the scene, she found him crawling on the ground in pain. According to her, Joshua is the sole breadwinner of the family, and she is demanding justice and compensation for his medical care. She warned that if the police fail to act, she may be forced to seek her own form of justice.
Angry youth and family members in Enyan Kokwado have also threatened to stage a demonstration against the Ajumako Police Command. They are demanding justice for Joshua and full responsibility from the police for his medical expenses.
As of now, the victim is still receiving traditional treatment at home, with no official statement yet issued by the police.
Credit: Yaw Boagyan
