Thirteen police officers died in line of duty in Ghana last year. The affected officers died in several circumstances, including during exchange of fire with armed robbers, motor accidents and stabbing.
Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, DSP Cephas Arthur told ‘The Finder’ the ranks of the officers range from Constable to Chief Inspector.
He said six officers died in motor accidents: two died on their way to effect arrest; one died during escort duties; another died during traffic control duties; and two others in unspecified motor accidents.
According to him, one officer died at his duty post; two were stabbed to death; two killed by police fire during an encounter with armed robbers; and one was run over by an articulated truck during barrier duties.
He said Chief Inspector Yakubu Awusi was stabbed to death at his duty post on December 30, 2013.
DSP Arthur said those killed through motor accidents on their way to effect arrest were General Sergeant Louis Fenyi on November 2, 2013 and Lance Corporal David Bonsu, also on November 2, 2013.
He noted that Sergeant Anthony Nyarko was killed in a motor accident during traffic duties on August 27, 2013 while Corporal Ackah Patrick died at his duty post on September 9, 2013.
He explained that Corporal Ebenezer Obeng died in a motor accident during escort duties on July 8, 2013; Corporal Jutta Dormenu was stabbed to death by a suspected armed robber on September 30, 2013; Corporal Korankye George was killed during an encounter with armed robbers on May 16, 2013; and Corporal Ernest Acheampong died in motor accident at Alavanyo on July 14, 2013.
DSP Arthur said Corporal Francis Appiah and Emmanuel Tetteh were killed by police fire during an encounter with armed robbers on September 3, 2013.
He stated that on October 19, 2013 Constable Kofi Sakyi was killed in a motor accident while General Constable Elias Adjei Parry was run over by an articulated truck during barrier duties on August 1, 2013.
DSP Arthur said that all the 13 officers were honoured posthumously during the recent WASSA of the service. He explained that family members of seven officers were present to receive the awards.
According to him, when an officer dies in the line of duty, government pays workman compensation and pension to the family. In addition, he said the service buys coffin, bears the cost of funeral and also makes donation at the funeral.