June 28, 2025 A 45-year old Ghanaian man, Mr. Stephen Huletey Ketoglo, has filed a lawsuit against the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, and the Attorney General, alleging that he was unlawfully detained for nearly seven years without trial, despite being discharged by a court.
The civil suit, filed at the High Court in Accra, is being led by renowned human rights lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormaworof Merton & Everett LLP. The legal action seeks over GHS 10 million in compensation for what the plaintiff describes as a “gross violation” of his fundamental human rights under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
Mr. Ketoglo’s ordeal began in July 2015 when he was arrested in Akuapem Adoso following the death of his fiancée, Dela Hunukeh, who had suffered from a long-standing respiratory illness. According to court documents, Ketoglo had been caring for her and funding her medical treatment prior to her death.
Despite autopsy results confirming she died of pneumonia, the police charged him with murder. He was detained at the Akropong Police Station for eight days without charge, access to legal counsel, or communication with his family.
He was later remanded and transferred to Koforidua Prison, where he remained incarcerated until his release in 2022 even though the charges were dropped and the court had discharged him in 2016.
The lawsuit alleges that Mr. Ketoglo:
- Was subjected to unlawful arrest without a warrant
- Was detained without a fair hearing or trial for years
- Suffered inhumane prison conditions, leading to chronic health issues including back pain, partial blindness, and hearing loss
- Lost his livelihood as a farmer and suffered extreme psychological trauma
- Was unaware of the deaths of his mother and sister during his detention and lost his marriage as a result
The plaintiff also claims he was held based on a false police report that alleged he had beaten his fiancée, an allegation contradicted by both medical evidence and the testimony of the deceased’s father.
Mr. Ketoglo is seeking:
- A formal public apology from the state
- Rehabilitation support, including medical and psychological care
- Vocational reintegration assistance
- General damages totalling more than GHS 10 million for physical, emotional, and economic losses
Lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor, known for his advocacy in justice reform, described the case as a “national shame”and called for institutional accountability.
“This case is a clear example of state failure at multiple levels police, courts, and prison and someone must answer for it,” he said.
The case has sparked strong reactions from civil society and human rights advocates, many of whom see this as part of a wider issue of abuse of remand and disregard for due process in Ghana’s justice system.
NzemaToday TV will continue to monitor and report on developments in this landmark case.
By Nzematoday TV
