Ashaiman Police To Compensate Dead Inmates

CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT David Eklu, Ashaiman Divisional Police Commander, has disclosed plans to compensate elations of two persons who died in the Ashaiman Cells two years ago as a result of suffocation.

According to him, his outfit was waiting for documents on the deceased persons for the process of the compensation to begin, hoping that soon, the Police Service would offer its needed support to the respective families.


Chief Superintendent Eklu, speaking with DAILY GUIDE, mentioned that the compensation was part of the administration work of the Police Service to assist the deceased families since they died at their outfit.


According to him, “I was recently transferred to Ashaiman; I must make sure I see to it that the rightful thing is done to allow peace to prevail in the area as the Divisional Commander.”


Two inmates, namely Issa Salifu and William Asomani, who were under separate investigations on February 7, 2010, lost their lives at the Ashaiman District Police Headquarters cells due to overcrowding and poor ventilation, which led to suffocation.


Three other inmates also in the same cells were said to have lost consciousness and were rushed to Tema General Hospital for medical attention.


The cells, which should have accommodated a maximum of 25 prisoners, had 43 remand prisoners and 8 untried suspects when the said incident occurred.

In a bid to avoid a similar incident, a newly constructed facility, comprising a separate male and female cells fitted with modern toilet facilities, showers and a charge office, is expected to lodge about 45 inmates each.


In a related development, the Ashaiman Municipal Chief Executive, Numo Addinortey Addison, has appealed to Ministry of Interior to expedite action on the payment of compensation to people who lost their lives and others who got injured during the clash between the Ashaiman Police and transport drivers in 2008.


The dead persons were aid to have been hit by gunshots fired by the police during the clash.


According to the MCE, payment of the compensation to the rightful families was long unsettled; therefore the Police Service and Attorney General should speed up payment of the compensation to deserving families.


He mentioned that several appeals to the sector minister were yet to attract any result, hoping that the victims would receive some compensation.