By Isaac Nsiah Foster
May 16, 2025
An Accra-based District Court has remanded a 46-year-old police inspector into custody for allegedly causing the death of a senior officer during a patrol operation.
The Gbese District Court, presided over by Her Worship Akosua Appiah Anaafi Gyasi, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, ordered that Inspector Isaac Danso be held in police custody for two weeks pending further investigation.
Inspector Danso is accused of unlawfully and intentionally causing the death of Chief Inspector Yahaya Razak on May 3, 2025, at Teshie in the Greater Accra Region.
Presenting the facts of the case, lead prosecutor Inspector Richard Ackumey told the court that the deceased, Chief Inspector Razak, was stationed with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Kpeshie Divisional Police Command. The accused, Inspector Danso, was with the Communication Unit at the National Police Headquarters, while the complainant, Inspector Dickson Okai Darkwa, is a police driver also stationed at the Kpeshie Divisional Headquarters.
“On May 2, 2025, at about 6:30 pm, the deceased who was on night patrol duties, booked a service rifle with number CZ 807 and serial number F141256, along with 10 rounds of ammunition,” Inspector Ackumey told the court.
He added that the complainant, who was in charge of patrol vehicle GP 3465, also booked a service rifle—CZ 807 with serial number E004835—and 10 rounds of ammunition. At approximately 8:30 pm, the team commenced their patrol duties.
Inspector Ackumey recounted that around 11:00 pm, the patrol team intercepted a motorbike near the GNAT office in Nungua. The pillion rider reportedly fled the scene, prompting Inspector Danso to cock his rifle and pursue the suspect, suspecting he might be armed. Although the pillion rider escaped, the rider was arrested and taken into custody at the Teshie Police Station. The motorbike was also impounded.
The prosecutor continued: “The accused failed to clear or ‘safe’ the weapon after the incident and placed it on the back seat of the vehicle. He then sat behind the complainant as they continued their patrol.”
Tragedy struck in the early hours of May 3, 2025. At about 1:20 am, while the team was returning from the direction of the LEKMA Hospital and had reached Yomo Spares Junction in Teshie, the patrol vehicle made a sharp left turn. The rifle, which had not been secured, began to slip from the seat.
“In an attempt to retrieve it, the accused’s finger accidentally pulled the trigger,” Inspector Ackumey explained. “The bullet pierced through the back of the front passenger seat, struck Chief Inspector Razak, and exited through the front passenger door.”
The injured officer was rushed to the LEKMA Hospital and later transferred to the Police Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
“The body has since been deposited at the Police Hospital morgue for autopsy. Investigations are still ongoing, My Worship,” Inspector Ackumey concluded.
The court adjourned the case to May 21, 2025, when Inspector Isaac Danso is expected to reappear.