The court also awarded GH₵210,000 in special damages to the family
The Sekondi Court has instructed the Ghana Police Service to pay GH₵2 million in compensation to the family of Joseph Entsie, a 53-year-old Fijai-based taxi driver who died while in custody.
Entsie, who operated from the Fijai Taxi Rank in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, was arrested on December 25, 2021, at the Effia-Nkwanta Nurses’ Quarters checkpoint for alleged drunk driving and for reportedly hitting a police officer.
He was detained at the Sekondi Police Station, where he was later pronounced dead.
At the time, police officials informed the family that Entsie had taken his own life in the cell.
However, that account was challenged when, in November 2022, the Commercial Division of the Sekondi High Court, presided over by Justice Sedina Agbemava, ruled that Entsie was killed by police officers, flatly contradicting the initial claim of suicide.
Following the ruling, the family filed a fresh suit against the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney General, demanding GH₵5 million in compensation.
In its final judgment delivered on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the court ordered the police to pay GH₵2 million as general compensation to the family.
The court also held the police fully liable for all mortuary bills from the date of Entsie’s death until his burial and directed that his body be released immediately to the family for interment.
While the court rejected the family’s claim for GH₵80,000 in anticipatory funeral expenses, it awarded GH₵210,000 in special damages.
Family of taxi driver who died in cells sues police, Attorney General for GH₵5m
Additionally, the police were ordered to pay daily compensation of GH₵70 for each of the 10 days Entsie spent in police custody.
The court further directed the return of Entsie’s personal belongings, including a Techno mobile phone, GH₵236.20 in cash, a T-shirt, and a pair of jeans.
Speaking on Connect FM’s Omanbapa Morning Show, the family’s lawyer, Ebo Donkor, said the family is satisfied with the ruling and has no intention of appealing.
“The court made it clear that the defendant is fully liable for the mortuary bills from the date of death to burial and must release the body immediately for burial.
“The GH₵80,000 funeral claim was described as anticipatory and therefore rejected, but the family has been awarded GH₵2 million in compensation, GH₵210,000 in special damages, daily compensation, and the return of the deceased’s belongings. The family is satisfied with the judgment and does not intend to file an appeal,” he added.
NA/AE
Social media uproar as Ghanaians, Zambians clash over Mahama’s fashion choices:
