Member of Parliament for Keta, Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey
The Member of Parliament for Keta, Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, has passionately called for justice following the tragic death of Jerry Kpesenu, also known as MAYA, under questionable circumstances while in police custody on June 6, 2024.
Addressing Parliament, he detailed the incident that has left the Keta community in shock and mourning.
"Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sorrow that I bring to your attention the tragic and untimely death of our brother, Jerry Kpesenu, a respected landlord in our community," Gakpey said.
According to eyewitness accounts, Kpesenu's confrontation with officers from the Keta Police Division began after a tenant complained about the installation of an air conditioner.
The situation allegedly escalated, resulting in Kpesenu being intimidated, maltreated, and beaten with electrical cables by the officers before being detained at the Keta Police Station, where he later died.
Gakpey emphasized the community's outrage and demand for justice.
"The good, law-abiding people of Keta, both at home and abroad, are seeking justice for Jerry Kpesenu. The people of Keta demand immediate and decisive action to ensure justice is served," he stated.
In response to the incident, Gakpey has taken several steps to address the situation, including petitioning the Ministry of Interior and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to immediately interdict the officers involved and facilitate a thorough and impartial investigation.
He has demanded an independent autopsy at a reputable pathology center in Ghana, with costs covered by the police, to establish the true cause of Kpesenu's death.
"Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the good people of Keta, I have petitioned the office of the Ministry of Interior and Inspector General of Police (IGP) to immediately interdict the officers involved in this tragic incident," Gakpey informed Parliament.
Gakpey further requested Parliament's support in referring the matter to the appropriate select committee for a thorough probe, emphasizing the need for accountability within the police service.
"We owe it to him, his family, and our community to ensure that those responsible for this act of unprofessionalism and brutality are held accountable," he declared.
The MP also highlighted the community's heightened emotions and the importance of swift action to prevent unrest.
"To avoid my people taking the laws into their own hands, I urge the Keta Divisional Police Command, the Municipal Chief Executive, the Interior Minister, and the IGP to take the death of Jerry Kpesenu seriously and act swiftly in their investigations.
"Let this tragic event serve as a catalyst for meaningful reforms within our Police service to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future," he concluded.
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