In a recent controversial case in Ghana, four police officers—Inspector Godwin Dey, Inspector Francis Adjei, Sergeant Daasebre Oti Boateng, and Corporal Jonah Adjubulisah—faced detention following their arrest of a judge, Her Honour Mrs. Angela Attachi, during a routine road safety operation in December 2024.
The incident has sparked widespread debate about the intersection of judicial authority, police conduct, and road discipline.
A judge has since refuted claims that breaking traffic rules justified the officers' detention, raising questions about fairness and power dynamics within the legal system.
Background of the Incident
The officers were conducting a standard traffic enforcement operation in Adenta when they stopped Mrs. Attachi’s vehicle for an alleged traffic violation. According to reports, the stop was part of routine efforts to ensure compliance with road safety regulations.
However, the situation escalated when the Adenta Police Commander intervened, and the case against the judge was subsequently dropped.
Last week, the four officers were summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters to provide statements regarding the arrest. Unexpectedly, they were detained after submitting their statements, prompting allegations of a "power play" by senior authorities.
The detention was reportedly ordered by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tetteh Yohunu, in what some critics describe as a return to an era of unchecked privilege for influential figures.
Judicial Response
A judge reviewing the case has since ruled that the officers’ detention cannot be justified solely on the grounds of their enforcement of traffic regulations.
The judge emphasized that traffic violations, even if committed by a high-ranking official, do not inherently warrant punitive actions against law enforcement officers performing their duties.
The ruling underscores the principle that police officers should be protected from retaliation when acting within the scope of their authority.
The judge further noted that the detention of the officers appeared to stem from external pressures rather than legal or procedural misconduct.
This decision aligns with broader legal precedents, such as those established in Terry v. Ohio (1968), which affirm that officers may stop and investigate based on reasonable suspicion without fear of undue repercussions, provided their actions adhere to constitutional standards.
Legal and Social Implications
The case has ignited discussions about the balance of power between judicial figures and law enforcement.
Critics argue that the detention of the officers reflects a systemic issue where influential individuals can evade accountability for minor infractions, such as traffic violations, while those enforcing the law face disproportionate consequences.
The Ghanaian public has expressed concern over what some perceive as a regression to “untouchable” elites who operate above the law.
Legal experts point to the Fourth Amendment principles, which protect against unreasonable searches and seizures, as relevant to this case.
The judge’s ruling reinforces that officers acting on reasonable suspicion during a traffic stop should not face detention or punishment unless clear evidence of misconduct exists.
This perspective is supported by cases like Rodriguez v. United States (2015), which limits the prolongation of traffic stops without reasonable suspicion but affirms officers’ rights to perform their duties.
Public and Official Reactions
The detention of the officers has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups and legal advocates. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Maine, in a similar context, has highlighted how such incidents can erode public trust in law enforcement when officers are penalized for lawful actions.
In Ghana, local activists have called for transparency in the investigation and urged reforms to prevent the misuse of authority against frontline officers.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has remained tight-lipped, with no official statement clarifying the rationale behind the officers’ detention.
The silence has fueled speculation that the decision was influenced by the judge’s status rather than objective legal grounds.
Conclusion
The judge’s refutation of traffic violations as a basis for detaining the four police officers marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse on law enforcement and judicial accountability in Ghana.
By affirming the officers’ right to perform their duties without fear of retribution, the ruling sets a precedent for protecting police from undue punishment.
However, it also highlights the need for systemic reforms to address power imbalances and ensure that no one—regardless of status—is above the law.
