Some police officers have shot an innocent young man and have refused to take care of his hospital bills.
A young man in his early twenties has been shot by some police men who mistook him for a criminal.
According to the young man, the police said the route he used that evening is a route criminals normally use. They also said since they found nothing on him and he wasn’t a prisoner, his family should be responsible for his hospital bills.
Narrating his story Happyghana.com reporters, he stated, “My name is Jonathan Odai Laryea. I closed from work around 8pm and went home to change. On my way to buy some food to eat, I saw two men and also heard voices saying stand! stand! but the voices were faint and I was afraid so I started running. By the time I realized I was on floor with a lot of pain in my thigh.”
“According to the police, the route I used was a route criminals use but I didn’t know that. I knew it was a normal route people use always.”
“Another man was even passing and they attacked, searched and beat him up. They did these as they fired warning shots that was when I realized they had guns. This incident occurred at Pokuase, ACP.”
“When I got shot they placed a call to their superior and then took me to the police hospital.”
“When we got there the CID said this is one of the men we gunned down so take care of him. They then handcuffed me to a bed.”
“They didn’t pay any of my bills, they said they didn’t find anything on me and I’m not a prisoner so my family should take care of me.”
Speaking to the mother of the young man, she said.
“It took a week for the police to inform us about the incident. Immediately we got to the hospital, the police told us that whatever cost in incurred is ours to pay.”
“I took a loan of GH¢5,000 from the bank to cater for my child and I am still paying back that loan.”
“We went to Starr FM to seek for help and someone offered to help us pay his bills. The police doctor who was treating him at the police hospital told us that our son is not the only one who has been shot by the police so we shouldn’t run to radio stations and journalists.”
“When he was discharged from the police hospital, we were made to pay GH¢300 for the bed he laid on.”
“I want the culprits brought to book and help from anyone who wishes to help us.”
Jonathan is currently receiving medical care at the Ridge Hospital, Room 12, bed A in Accra.
He is set to undergo a surgery at a cost of about GH¢15,000.
By: Susan Amoako Agyemang