Policeman Remanded Over Tragic Death of Central University Law Student

The tragic event unfolded on August 27, 2026, when Ivan Apprey Baidoo booked a Yango motorbike ride operated by Samuel Wesley Arthur to travel from Ashongman Estates to the East Legon Astroturf Park to play football. During the journey, the rider allegedly ran a red traffic light at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) traffic intersection, where Corporal Koranteng, attached to the Traffic Management Enforcement Unit at Police Headquarters in Accra, was stationed on duty.

Corporal Koranteng pursued the motorbike and signaled the rider to pull over, but the rider continued through Okponglo, the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, and onto the Tema Motorway. The pursuit reached a critical point at a section of the motorway past the former tollbooth, where Corporal Koranteng allegedly kicked the motorbike, causing the rider to lose control and crash into a concrete barrier. Rather than stopping to assist the victims or arranging immediate medical attention, Corporal Koranteng allegedly sped away from the scene.

Good Samaritans subsequently conveyed the victims to the Tema General Hospital, where young Ivan Apprey Baidoo was pronounced dead on arrival, while the motorbike rider was treated and discharged. The Airport Divisional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) was informed of the crash at approximately 4:30 PM the same day and took over initial investigations. On September 3, 2026, Dr. Eric Dumfeh, a pathologist at Tema General Hospital, conducted a post-mortem examination and stated the official cause of death as "haemorrhagic shock, bilateral haemothorax and haemoperitoneum, resulting from blunt trauma to the chest and abdomen".

The Police Homicide Unit took over the case on September 8, leading to Corporal Koranteng's arrest on September 12, 2026, on charges of murder. Appearing before the Adabraka District Court, Koranteng's plea was not taken, and he was remanded to re-appear on September 29, 2026.

The legal proceedings surrounding the death of Ivan Apprey Baidoo underscore the urgent necessity for strict accountability and professional standards in Ghanaian law enforcement. As the student's family and the broader public await justice, this tragic encounter serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between routine traffic enforcement and public safety. What are your thoughts on police traffic enforcement protocols and public safety in Ghana? Leave your comments below and join the discussion on keeping our streets safe.