By: Nana Antwi Boasiako
Founder and Director of the POS Foundation, Jonathan Osei Owusu has recounted the disturbing experience of a man who was unjustly held in Koforidua Prisons for six years. Despite being acquitted by the Mampong Court, the individual remained incarcerated due to the misconduct of a police officer. This unfortunate circumstance highlights a grave failure of the justice system. Mr. Jonathan Osei Owusu recounted a troubling incident involving a man who was charged with murder.
After a year in custody, a pathology report revealed that the deceased had succumbed to pneumonia, rather than foul play. As a result, the Mampong Court dismissed the case and ordered the accused’s release. Nevertheless, he remained in prison.
According to Justice for All, the police officer in question claimed to have incurred personal expenses in transporting the accused to court, and therefore demanded reimbursement for transportation costs. However, the accused was unable to pay. It is unclear what warrant the officer subsequently used, but it was discovered that the accused had been detained in Koforidua Prisons for six years,” Mr. Osei Owusu explained.
As reported by Justice for All, the police officer alleged that he had borne the cost of transporting the accused to court and thus expected the accused to compensate him for the transportation expenses.
When the accused proved unable to pay, the officer seemingly utilized a warrant of unknown origin, resulting in the accused’s prolonged detention in Koforidua Prisons, where he remained for six years. The human rights activist expressed deep concern over the actions of certain police officers, highlighting that such behavior significantly contributes to the perpetuation of injustices within the judicial system.
He echoed the admonition of Justice Angelina Mensah-Homiah, who sternly warned the police that once a court has dismissed a case, the accused individual must be released and not be taken back into custody under any circumstances whatsoever.
