The Adonteng Mmratohene of Akyem Kukurantumi, Barimah Owusu Frimpong, has confirmed that the young man whose death sparked violent clashes with police was severely beaten before being taken to a clinic, where he later died.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Barimah Owusu Frimpong narrated that he was at home when an assembly member called to alert him of disturbances in the town.
He rushed to the scene and was told that a resident from his area, Bright, popularly known as D-Ball, had died after a confrontation with police.
“The truth is, the police beat him mercilessly. He was rushed to a community clinic in Kukurantumi, and it was there that he passed on,” he disclosed.
He explained that the deceased had previously been accused of stealing a television, a matter he had earlier advised should be reported to the police to avoid chiefs appearing to shield crime.
The issue, he said, had been partly resolved when the TV was returned and apologies offered by the suspect’s family.
Barimah Owusu Frimpong added that new information revealed the deceased was also alleged to be a drug peddler, prompting police to arrest him on Sunday morning.
According to the chief, the arrest turned violent after the suspect reportedly stabbed a community police assistant, leading to the assault that left him fatally injured.
The incident triggered outrage among the youth, who stormed the Kukurantumi Police Station, vandalized property, pelted stones at officers, and attempted to set the building ablaze.
“But for the reinforcement from Koforidua, the situation would have been worse. They pelted stones, and I learned one of the policemen sustained injuries,” he said.
Police personnel have since been withdrawn from the area except for a few guarding the facility, following threats from the youth. Calm has now been restored, with residents resuming their daily activities.
Barimah Owusu Frimpong urged the youth to exercise restraint and avoid attacking all police officers, noting that the incident involved specific individuals.
“Two wrongs do not make a right. It was a station officer, Kumador, and two community police assistants who committed the act, so it will not be fair and right to attack all the policemen,” he appealed.
He confirmed that traditional authorities will meet with the bereaved family to discuss the way forward and help maintain peace in Kukurantumi.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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