Dichemso Assembly Member Alleges Police Brutality, Unlawful Detention in Kumasi

The Assembly Member for Dichemso Electoral Area and legal practitioner in Manhyia South, Hon. Prince Ahenkan Baako, has accused personnel of the SWAT Unit, Kumasi, of assault, brutality, abuse of power, and unlawful detention.

The incident allegedly occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on June 25, 2026, near Baako Cosmetics at Adum, Kumasi.

*How it unfolded*

According to Hon. Baako, he was at his shop when he was alerted to an altercation involving his in-law and a road user. He said he intervened to de-escalate the situation and the other party left.

Minutes later, about 15 young men gathered outside his shop. Fearing trouble, he called the police. Before they arrived, he said five people were assaulting his in-law, who was on the ground. Hon. Baako intervened to stop the attack.

His in-law, he alleges, sustained a broken leg, a serious eye injury, and lost control of his bowels due to the severity of the attack.

Hon. Baako alleges that men who identified themselves as police officers then turned on him. Despite identifying himself as the Dichemso Assembly Member and pleading for restraint, he said he was repeatedly slapped, punched, and kicked.

He further alleges that officers struck him with firearms on his ribs and stomach, insulted him as a “foolish Assembly Member,” and threatened to beat him to death. Gunshots were reportedly fired, causing panic among residents.

He was subsequently arrested and taken to a police station. In custody, he alleges he was denied humane treatment, insulted, slapped, punched, had water poured on him, and was spat on by officers. He claims officers ignored calls from colleagues to release him and said he would be detained until the following day.

*Injuries and call for action*

Hon. Baako said he suffered physical injuries, emotional trauma, and public humiliation, while his in-law suffered life-changing injuries requiring urgent medical attention.

He is now calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mubarak, to:

1. *Investigate*: Order an immediate, independent, and impartial probe into the conduct of all officers involved.

2. *Accountability*: Ensure those responsible are identified and held accountable under Ghanaian law.

3. *Protect witnesses*: Facilitate protection for witnesses and prevent interference with the investigation.

4. *Justice*: Ensure justice is served for both himself and his in-law.

The Ghana Police Service has not yet responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

Reported by Joe Amoateng, Kumasi