Arrested Sunday, jailed Wednesday, dead by weekend

The family of Emmanuel Asamoah, a resident of Sankore in the Asunafo South Municipality of the Ahafo Region, is demanding a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, which occurred just days after his arrest, conviction and imprisonment without the presence of a lawyer.

According to relatives and close associates, Asamoah was arrested by police in Sankore on Sunday, May 31, 2026, in connection with an alleged assault case reported against him last year.

Family members claim that although the complaint had been lodged some time ago, Asamoah had reportedly been away from the town for nearly a year and only recently returned to Sankore when he was apprehended.

They alleged that the arrest was carried out in a forceful manner and that Asamoah subsequently complained about his health and the manner in which he had been handled by the police.

Asamoah was initially detained in police cells in Goaso while relatives made efforts to secure his release on bail and medical attention. However, the family said they were unaware that he had been arraigned before the Goaso Circuit Court on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

According to relatives, Asamoah was convicted and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment. The family further alleges that he did not have the benefit of legal representation during the proceedings and that neither his relatives nor a lawyer were informed before the sentencing.

Following news of the conviction, some family members reportedly contacted legal practitioners, including Obiri Boahen, Raph Agyapong and Kusi, with a view to pursuing an appeal.

Court records and official details of the proceedings were not immediately available at the time of filing this report.

The family said Asamoah was transferred to Sunyani Central Prison on Thursday, June 4, 2026, a day after his conviction.

Relatives who subsequently visited the prison said they were informed that he was unwell and resting, and, therefore, could not receive visitors.

Shortly after their visit, reports began circulating that Mr Asamoah had died while in custody. The family said they initially received conflicting information suggesting that he may have died either on Friday, June 5, or Saturday, June 6.

On Sunday, June 7, relatives and friends travelled to verify the reports and were informed that Asamoah had indeed died and that his body had been deposited at a mortuary.

According to family members, preliminary information available to them suggested that the deceased may have suffered internal bleeding and trauma. However, no official post-mortem report has yet been released to confirm the exact cause of death.

The death has sparked concern among residents and relatives, who are calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances leading to Asamoah’s arrest, conviction, detention and subsequent death.

Family members insist that answers are needed regarding his treatment while in police and prison custody, as well as the circumstances surrounding his court appearance and conviction.

Asamoah is survived by two children.

Relatives say they are seeking justice not only for the deceased, but also for his children, whom they believe deserve to know the full circumstances surrounding their father’s death.

Police, prison authorities and court officials are yet to publicly comment on the allegations, some of which have found their way on various social media platforms, including Facebook.