In a deeply distressing turn of events, the tragic death of Ivan Baidoo, a promising 20-year-old second-year law student from Central University, has sparked significant public outcry and demands for justice. The incident, which occurred on August 27, 2026, on the Tema Motorway, has raised critical questions about police conduct and the circumstances leading to Baidoo's untimely demise.
Incident Overview
Ivan Baidoo, who had embarked on a motorcycle ride from Old Ashongman to East Legon to join friends for a game of football, tragically lost his life following an alleged "hit-and-run" incident involving a police officer. The motorbike, with registration number M 26-AB 384, was being operated by Samuel Arthur Wesley. According to Wesley's account, a police patrol team member initiated a high-speed pursuit from the UPSA-Legon junction, culminating in a fatal collision near the old toll booth area on the Accra end of the motorway.
Wesley claims that the pursuing officer, General Corporal Robert Koranteng, allegedly struck the rear of their motorbike, causing both him and Ivan to fall. The crash resulted in severe injuries for Ivan, including head trauma, broken ribs, and internal bleeding, leading to his death. Wesley survived with lesser injuries.
Investigation and Family's Petition
In the aftermath of this tragic incident, the Homicide Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has taken over the investigation. The family of Ivan Baidoo, dissatisfied with the initial handling of the case and the perceived lack of transparency, petitioned the CID for a comprehensive investigation. Represented by Nyamekye & Partners, the family expressed concerns that the case officer was not adequately addressing their inquiries or providing necessary information.
The police administration has responded by interdicting General Corporal Robert Koranteng and tasked the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) with investigating his conduct during the incident. In a statement issued on September 12, 2026, the Ghana Police Service assured the public of a thorough investigation and pledged appropriate actions based on the findings.
Public Outcry and Quest for Justice
The death of Ivan Baidoo has resonated deeply within the community, prompting widespread demands for accountability and justice. The family's decision to offer a GH¢50,000 reward for credible information underscores their commitment to uncovering the truth behind this tragic event.
As investigations continue, it is imperative that justice is served not only for Ivan Baidoo but also to restore public confidence in law enforcement agencies. The circumstances surrounding this incident highlight the need for stringent oversight and accountability within police operations to prevent such devastating occurrences in the future.
In these challenging times, our thoughts remain with Ivan's family and friends as they navigate their profound loss. It is our collective hope that through diligent investigation and transparent processes, justice will prevail, honoring Ivan's memory and ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
