In a recent development, Constable Smith Gyekyi, a Police Officer of the Ghana Police Service, has been brought before the Adabraka District Court and remanded into Police custody for a period of two weeks on a charge of murder.
The incident leading to the arrest occurred when Constable Gyekyi, who was off-duty and working as a ride-hailing driver, allegedly shot and killed one Stanley Ahazi following a disagreement over fare. During the court proceedings on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Constable Gyekyi did not enter a plea to the provisional charge of murder, but the charge and brief facts of the case were presented to him in open court.
Chief Inspector Achana Apewah, the Police Prosecutor, requested the court to remand the accused into Police custody to allow for further investigations. The Magistrate, Her Worship Ama Adomako Kwakye, granted the request and remanded Constable Gyekyi into Police custody. The accused appeared without legal representation and is scheduled to reappear in court on September 9, 2024.
According to the brief facts presented in court by Chief Inspector Apewah, Constable Smith Gyekyi is a Police Officer attached to the International Relations Directorate of the Ghana Police Service. The incident took place on August 18, 2024, at approximately 4:00 AM, when information was received that Stanley Ahadzi had been shot dead at the frontage of Koans Estate at Satellite.
Further investigations revealed that Constable Gyekyi was operating as a commercial vehicle driver at the time of the incident. It was reported that a disagreement arose over the fare charged after he had lifted Esther Owusua, a witness in the case, and Stanley Ahadzi to their destination. Allegedly, Constable Gyekyi became agitated, drew his sidearm, and shot Stanley Ahadzi without provocation.
Following the incident, senior police officers including DCOP Arhin Kwesi Annor and ACP Nana Kwaku Duah arrived at the scene to oversee the handling of the case. The body of Stanley Ahadzi was taken to the Police Hospital Morgue for preservation pending autopsy, while Constable Smith Gyekyi surrendered himself to the police at Amasaman and was subsequently detained. His pistol was retained for further investigation.
The court proceedings shed light on the tragic events that led to the loss of life and underscore the importance of a thorough investigation into the matter. As the case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with being entrusted with the powers of law enforcement.
The Ghana Police Service continues to uphold its commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining the rule of law. The outcome of this case will be closely monitored as it progresses through the judicial system, reaffirming the principles of accountability and transparency within law enforcement.
It is imperative that all parties involved in this case adhere to due process and cooperate fully with the authorities to facilitate a fair and just resolution. Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Stanley Ahadzi during this difficult time.
As this case continues to unfold, we emphasize the importance of upholding the principles of justice and accountability within our law enforcement agencies for the benefit of our communities and society as a whole.
-source Starrfm | curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
