The calm town of Keta in the Volta Region is gripped with tension as residents, particularly the youth prepare to embark on a demonstration on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, to protest against the alleged police brutality that led to the death of a well-known resident, Jerry Kpesenu Maya.

The tragic incident has sparked outrage among locals, who are demanding justice and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jerry's death while in police custody.

Background

According to reports from reliable sources, the confrontation began when a dispute erupted between Jerry Kpesenu Maya, a respected native and landlord in Keta, and his tenants.

The conflict reportedly started over the tenants’ intention to install air conditioners in their rented rooms, a move Jerry opposed. Heated exchanges ensued between the landlord and tenants, culminating in a complaint lodged with the Keta Police by the disgruntled tenants.

Eyewitnesses allege that upon arriving at the scene, some officers of the Ghana Police Service in Keta used excessive force on Jerry. Witnesses claim that the police intimidated, mistreated, and physically assaulted him using electric cables.

This assault allegedly continued even after Jerry was taken into custody. Around 5:30 PM on the said day Jerry Kpesenu was reportedly arrested, detained at the Keta Police Station, and subsequently pronounced dead while in police custody.

Public outcry and calls for justice

The news of Jerry’s death has triggered an outcry among residents of Keta, who expressed their dissatisfaction with the conduct of the police.

Aggrieved family members, friends, and concerned residents have questioned the circumstances that led to the untimely death of Jerry, who was known for his contributions to the local community.

Read Also: Angry Keta youth call on IGP to investigate death of a resident in police custody

Key community leaders, including Mr Doe William Foreman, Mr Abotsi Philip, and Setsoafia Wonder as well as family members have condemned the actions of the Keta police, calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a transparent and swift investigation.

In a statement, Mr Foreman said, “We demand a thorough investigation into the death of our brother Jerry Kpesenu. This kind of police brutality cannot be allowed to continue in our community.”

The community’s call for justice has garnered widespread support, with many residents and youth groups planning a massive demonstration to express their anger and demand accountability. The protest is expected to draw a large crowd, with participants vowing to march through the streets of Keta to the local police station, chanting slogans and carrying placards that call for justice for Jerry.

Organizers say the march aims to put pressure on the authorities to hold the police officers involved accountable. Protesters are demanding immediate action from the state, including the suspension of the officers implicated in the incident and an independent probe into Jerry’s death.

Mr Abotsi Philip, one of the organizers, stated, “We will not rest until those responsible for Jerry’s death are brought to justice. We call on the IGP to act swiftly and ensure that those who took the law into their own hands face the full wrath of the law.”

Official Response and Next Steps

As tensions rise, local authorities and the Ghana Police Service are yet to respond to the incident. The IGP is expected to address the residents' concerns and outline the steps the police will take to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Meanwhile, security personnel have been deployed to monitor the situation in Keta ahead of the planned demonstration, and efforts have been made to ensure that the protest remains peaceful.