In a troubling incident that has sparked outrage in Kokrobite, a suburb near Accra in the Greater Accra region, police officers allegedly assaulted several residents during a funeral procession on Saturday, September 20, 2025. The confrontation reportedly left six individuals injured, including taxi drivers and a passenger, and has led to the detention of four others, among them the chairman of the Kokrobite Drivers Association.
Incident Overview
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the altercation unfolded near the Kokrobite Goil Filling Station during a wake-keeping ceremony. Taxi drivers were reportedly directing a hearse carrying the body of a colleague’s wife to ensure smooth traffic flow on the Kokrobite road when police officers intervened. According to the drivers, the officers accused them of blocking the road and proceeded to assault them with sticks.
The injured parties strongly refuted the allegations, asserting that their actions were aimed at managing traffic congestion rather than obstructing the roadway. “We don’t know our crime,” one of the victims lamented. “We were just directing the hearse from creating traffic, and the police officers just came and started beating us with sticks.”
Allegations of Harassment
Beyond Saturday's incident, taxi drivers in Kokrobite have accused local police officers of persistent harassment. They claim that officers often demand money from them and commercial motorcycle riders, commonly known as 'okada' riders, under dubious circumstances. Failure to comply allegedly leads to threats or punitive actions.
Calls for Accountability
The Kokrobite Drivers Association is now demanding immediate intervention from higher authorities. Speaking to Onua News’ Nana Yaw Asare, representatives of the association called on Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare and Minister of Interior Ambrose Dery to take decisive action against the officers involved in the assault, as well as their commanding officer.
The drivers warned that failure to address their grievances could force them to resort to alternative measures in their quest for justice. “If no action is taken, we might be compelled to handle this ourselves,” one driver remarked, underscoring the urgency of their plea.
Police Silence
Attempts by journalists to obtain comments from the accused officers have been met with silence. The refusal to address the allegations has further fueled frustrations among residents, who view this as a lack of accountability on the part of law enforcement.
A Community in Crisis
The events in Kokrobite underscore growing concerns about police-community relations in Ghana. While law enforcement is tasked with maintaining order and ensuring public safety, incidents like these erode trust and foster resentment among citizens.
As calls for justice grow louder, it is imperative for authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and hold any offending officers accountable. Transparency and fairness are crucial in restoring confidence among residents and preventing further escalation of tensions.
The Kokrobite community awaits action from leadership within the Ghana Police Service and government officials to address these grievances swiftly and decisively. Until then, the scars left by this incident remain a stark reminder of the fragile relationship between law enforcement and those they are sworn to protect.
