Accra: The Ghana Prisons Service has announced that it has begun an internal investigation into allegations that an inmate serving a sentence at the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison played a role in the murder of the Abamba Queen Mother, Nana Serwaa Asaama Agyankomaa I, also known as Nana Serwaa Gyan Kuma I.
According to Ghana Web, the Prisons Service issued a statement through its Public Affairs Department expressing condolences to the chiefs and people of the Abamba Traditional Area in Atebubu over the killing. The announcement of the investigation comes in response to The Herald's publication, which highlighted the silence of the Service, led by Director-General Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, regarding the convicted prisoner Issahaku Alhassan, also known as 'Sule Yangari', whom the police identified as a central figure in the murder.
Audio recordings, believed to be threats sent by the 66-year-old inmate using a mobile phone, allegedly targeted the Chief of Akokoa and Nifahene of the Atebubu Traditional Area, Nana Owusu Sahkofi, also known as Charles Kofi Owusu, before the murder. Preliminary findings by the Ghana Police Service implicated the inmate, Sule Yagani, in acting as an intermediary in the murder plot while serving his sentence.
The Prisons Administration views the allegations seriously and has established a team to investigate the matter in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service. The statement emphasized prison communication regulations, stating that inmates are only permitted supervised calls through official telephone booths, and the possession of personal mobile phones remains strictly prohibited.
The murder incident, which involved two armed men ambushing and shooting the Queen Mother, has drawn significant attention. Investigations have revealed connections between the crime and several individuals, including the alleged gunman Nana Yaw Bediako, who reportedly admitted to the shooting after being contracted by the Akokoa chief for GHS50,000.
Yangari, with a history of maintaining communication and influence outside prison, allegedly boasted about sending voice notes while incarcerated. His connections and influence have been a topic of local discussion, with his continued operational links being widely acknowledged.
Residents have expressed skepticism over the claims implicating the Akokoa chief in the murder, citing a pattern of Yangari implicating individuals in disputes with personal interests. Voice recordings sent by Yangari to the Akokoa chief have raised questions about the police narrative, portraying Yangari as seeking legitimacy from local authorities.
The revelations have sparked concerns about the effectiveness of prison supervision in Ghana, with questions about how Yangari maintained access to communication channels while incarcerated. Critics argue that the situation exposes significant weaknesses within the correctional system.
The murder case has taken further dramatic turns during court proceedings, with concerns raised over the death of Nana Yaw Bediako in police custody and fears expressed by Abdul Razak Ibrahim Langa about his safety. The accused, including the Akokoa chief, face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder, as the investigation continues to unfold.
Additional controversies have emerged over the conduct of the police during the arrests and allegations of bribery attempts by the Akokoa chief, which have been strongly denied by his family and supporters. They demand a credible investigation from state institutions to ensure justice is served.