The Assin Fosu Divisional Police Command have arrested a 20-year-old Community Police Assistant (CPA), Bismark Yeboah, for his alleged involvement in the violent attack on a patient at the Assin Wurakese Health Centre in the Assin Fosu municipality of the Central Region.
The police said Yeboah was seen among the angry mob that stormed the health facility and attacked a patient who was being treated for machete wounds.
His arrest followed a review of video footage captured during the incident.
The video that went viral revealed several young men storming the health facility and attacking one Yaw Buabeng, a patient seeking treatment at the health facility for machete wounds.
The young men beat the man to a pulp with sticks and clubs.
Investigations
The Assin Fosu Divisional Commander, ACP Dr Asare Nyarko, said police patrols in the area had been intensified as part of security measures to ensure that residents and health workers could go about their duties without fear or intimidation.
“Investigation has been intensified to ensure that every individual involved is arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he added.
He further revealed that the Central North Regional Police Command was preparing to engage members of the Assin Wurakese community to educate them on the consequences of violence and lawlessness. He cautioned the youth to desist from criminal activities, warning that such actions carry severe consequences.
Victim
Meanwhile, the man who was attacked, Kenneth Yaw Buabeng, has also been detained by the police to assist with investigations after being discharged from the hospital.
The police stated that although Buabeng sustained severe machete injuries, preliminary investigations have indicated that he initiated the altercation by attacking the family of one Daniel, during which Daniel also sustained serious machete wounds.
In a related development, a team of police officers led by ACP Dr Asare Nyarko, together with the District Police Commander, ASP Jacob Kumedzro, and the District Crime Officer, ASP Rosemond Duncan, have visited the health facility to interact with the staff and assured them of their safety and welfare.
Psychological support
The Central North Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Abraham Acquaye, condemned the assault on the patient at the health facility and assured the public of continued psychological support for nurses and staff of the Akoti Health Centre.
He added that the police would implement security measures at various sensitive locations across the region to prevent future incidents.
After the meeting, the health personnel expressed satisfaction with the engagement and the assurances given.
They reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to provide uninterrupted healthcare services to the community’s residents.
The Central Regional Directorate of Health Services also urged the police to enhance visibility to protect health workers in the area and investigate and prosecute all perpetrators.
A statement signed by the Central Regional Director of Health Services, Dr Alberta Britwum-Nyarko, said health facilities were neutral and protected spaces dedicated solely to the preservation of lives.
Any attack on clients or health workers is unacceptable and undermines the safety, confidence and effective functioning of the healthcare system,” she stated.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
