Court Orders Ghana Police to Pay GH₵2m to Family of Taxi Driver Who Died in Custody

The Sekondi High Court has ordered the Ghana Police Service to pay GH₵2 million in compensation to the family of Joseph Entsie, a 53-year-old taxi driver from Fijai who died while in police custody.

Mr. Entsie, who operated from the Fijai taxi rank in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, was arrested on December 25, 2021, over allegations of drunk driving and for reportedly hitting a police officer at the Effia-Nkwanta Nurses Quarters checkpoint. He was later detained at the Sekondi Police Station, where he was pronounced dead.

Police initially informed the family that the deceased had taken his own life while in custody. However, in November 2022, the Commercial Division of the Sekondi High Court, presided over by Justice Sedina Agbemava, ruled that Mr. Entsie was killed by police officers, contradicting the earlier police account.

Following that decision, the family filed a fresh suit against the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General, seeking GH₵5 million in compensation.

In its final judgment delivered on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the court awarded GH₵2 million as general compensation to the family.

The court also held the police liable for the mortuary bills from the date of death until burial and directed that the body be released immediately to the family for interment.

Additionally, the court awarded GH₵210,000 in special damages and ordered daily compensation of GH₵70 for the ten days Mr. Entsie was held in custody. It also directed the return of his personal belongings, including a Tecno mobile phone, GH₵236.20, a T-shirt, and a pair of jeans.

However, the court rejected the family’s claim for GH₵80,000 as anticipatory funeral expenses.

Speaking on Connect FM’s Omanbapa Morning Show, the family’s lawyer, Ebo Donkor, said the family was satisfied with the ruling and does not intend to appeal the judgment.