Ghana’s Police Service has shut down the Kukurantumi Police Station and withdrawn all officers from the premises following a violent assault by local residents, triggered by the death of a man in police custody.
According to a statement released Sunday by the Eastern Regional Police Command, the move was ordered by the Inspector-General of Police after a group of angry youths stormed the station and adjacent police barracks early Saturday morning, hurling stones, wooden clubs, and other makeshift weapons. The group reportedly attempted to set fire to the facility.
The unrest comes in the wake of the death of Bright Kena, also known locally as “D-ball,” who had been arrested on charges of unlawful entry and theft. Kena died while receiving medical treatment at the Kukurantumi Community Hospital. The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.
Law enforcement deployed a rapid-response unit to quell the disturbance and restore order by mid-morning. No injuries among officers were reported, though police say property was damaged during the assault.
In response to the incident, both the Police Professional Standards Bureau and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) have launched parallel inquiries. Authorities are also reviewing video footage of the attack to identify and prosecute those involved.
“The Command would like to once again urge the public to use lawful means to resolve issues instead of resorting to violence,” said Superintendent George Peprah Mills, Staff Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, in the statement.
Police officials have since met with the family of the deceased and local leaders to assure them of a full and transparent investigation. The temporary closure of the station, officials say, is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of personnel and the community.
