The Inspector General of Police (IGP) and three others have been ordered to pay damages totaling GH¢253,709 as compensation to a father of four who was assaulted by a police officer, resulting in his “inability to have an erection.”
The High Court in Accra, presided over by Justice Kwasi Adjenin-Boateng, ruled that the police officer used “unreasonable force” during the arrest.
Isaac Manu, a welder, was arrested in 2016 based on suspicion by his former employer of stealing a KIA Sportage car.
Mr Manu filed a lawsuit on May 31, 2019, seeking general damages for assault, special damages for medical expenses, compensation for psychological trauma, compensation for loss of earnings, loss of livelihood, and aggravated damages for his inability to have an erection.
The court found that Mr Manu’s arrest involved unreasonable force, with injuries to his face and eyes. Manu had sought medical attention, and subsequent examinations revealed permanent damage to his left eye.
Additionally, he claimed he could not have an erection after the assault.
In response, the defendants, including the Attorney General, Vivian Adeoku, Matthew Adrah, and Kwesi Asare, argued that the force used was minimal and reasonable during the arrest, and Manu’s injuries were minor.
The court, however, ruled in favor of the plaintiff, awarding general damages of GH¢10,000.00, special damages of GH¢43,709.00, and compensation for loss of livelihood and psychological trauma totaling GH¢200,000.00.
The defendants were jointly and severally ordered to pay these damages, along with a cost of GH¢20,000.00. Additionally, a cost of GH¢5,000.00 was awarded in favor of Vivian Adeoku, the third defendant.