Widow fights for compensation

The widow of a man who was shot in the chest by policemen at Apeguso in the Eastern Region has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, CHRAJ, to prevail on the Police service to compensate her. Eleven other victims of police brutality following the incident which took place five years ago are also seeking due compensation in the same petition. The petition filed on the 4th of this month alleged that 80 armed police men were deployed on the 26th of June 2003 from the Volta Regional Command to destroy speed ramps built by the people to control over speeding in the area. During the destruction, a native of the area Teacher Koo asked the policemen whether they had consulted the chief, the Assemblyman or any other elder of the town before destroying the speed ramps. The response of the policeman was a gunshot at close range in his chest, killing Teacher Koo instantly.

Eleven others were also beaten up without provocation, including a plantain seller, Juliana Ntinwaa who was stripped naked and severely assaulted. They were then detained by the police at a cell in Ho for more than 14 days without any charge. Lawyer for the group, Daniel Akoto told sundayworld he believes the actions of the police contravene Article 14 clauses 1,2,3,4 and 5 of the 1992 constitution and therefore demand compensation for the abuse of their rights as citizens. Mr. Akoto says the situation is even more urgent for the widow, of Teacher Koo who has 8 children to look after all alone. Despite earlier assurances the police have reneged on their promise to pay compensation to the victims of their brutality on that fateful day five years ago.