Asuoko residents clash with Police over violent arrest of boy, 15

Residents of Asuoko, a farming community in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern region clashed with the police over what they described as the violent arrest of a 15-year-old Junior High School student.

The boy was arrested for allegedly fighting with a 25-year-old daughter of a rich man in the community.

Two Police officers including the Station Officer of Akuapem Amanfrom Police Station, Chief Inspector Essel Ofosu, stormed the Community Friday dawn, broke into the room of the suspect while asleep, slapped, handcuffed him in nudity and dragged him to Police Cells.

Residents expressed their anger over the action of the Police and attempted to resist the Rambo-style arrest of the 15-year-old, creating tension in the community.

The residents also accused the Police of taking bribe from the rich man to indiscriminately arrest people in the community under the orders of the rich man.

It took the intervention of a child right non- governmental organization, Plan Ghana’s Eastern regional Director, Mr. Kofi Debrah before the JHS student was granted bail having spent over 20 hours in Police cells.

He has, however, been scheduled to appear before the Akropong Circuit Court on Tuesday.

Mr. Debrah condemned the action of the Police and has promised to ensure that justice is served.

Meanwhile, the Domestic Violence and Victim support Unit of the Ghana Police Service has joined to seek justice for the young boy.