Police Draw Guns At Family Of Slain Soldier At Achimota District Court In Accra Amidst Fear And Panic

DRAMA unfolded at the Achimota District Court in the Greater Accra Region on Thursday, May 30, 2024, when two suspected killers of a slain soldier, Nana Kofi Amo and Benlord Ababio, were hauled before the court. 

Armed police officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) threatened to shoot family members of the soldier who was recently shot and killed in front of the Millennium City Police Station, Kasoa, without recourse to their lives.

The police officers pointed guns at the wailing family members when some attempted to attack the suspects as they were brought to court. 

One officer was overheard shouting, "We will shoot you down if you dare us, amidst fear and panic.”

Nana Kofi Amo has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, while Benlord Ababio allegedly shot and killed the soldier on April 30, 2024. 

The soldier had gone to the Millennium City Police Station to report an incident of trespassing on a disputed plot of land.

The prosecution, led by ASP Lawrence Anane, stated that the docket has been sent to the Attorney General's Department. 

The plea of the two suspects has been reserved, and they have been remanded for two weeks. The case was adjourned to Thursday, June 13, 2024.

The family of the slain soldier expressed worry over the spate of intimidations by the police guarding the suspects. Nana Yaw Boakye Ofori Atta, head of the family, stated, "We are disappointed with the unprofessional conduct of the police officers... We are not happy with the delay of the trial, but we have to wait."

The family lamented the spate of intimidations, saying, "We are tired of the police intimidations... We are sending a signal to the Inspector General of Police and President Akufo-Addo that the police officers are protecting the murderers rather than the family members of the slain soldier."

Nana Ofori Atta revealed that the police officers have allowed the suspects to cover their faces with nose masks in court, while threatening the family members. "Our lives are in danger now... We need security protection for the members of the killed soldier's family."

The family spokesperson sent a strong signal that they will not sit aloof and allow the police to continue intimidating them. "We are ready to battle with them in the next two weeks of the court hearing... We want to state that the police should come on that date to kill us at the premises of Achimota District Court."

The family expressed frustration over the failure of law enforcement agencies to stop land guards from hurting people in land disputes. They called on the Ghana Police Service, the Attorney General's office, and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for the crime are dealt with drastically.