The report of an autopsy conducted on 32-year-old Shadrach Arloo who died at West Hills Mall discovered that he died of asphyxiation and obstruction as ‘Wee’ (marijuana) choked his airway.
According to the report, the deceased had actually ingested marijuana.
The police pathologist found eight zipped packets of dry leaves that were likely drug-related in the deceased’s throat, tied with a piece of black polythene.
A statement from the police explained that when submitted for forensic analysis in front of all parties involved, the recovered suspected narcotic substance proved positive for ‘Wee’ (marijuana).
According to the police, the Attorney General’s Office is being consulted to determine the next course of action for the police in light of the results of the post-mortem examination.
“We would like to put on record that from the very beginning of this incident, the Police have involved all interested parties in the investigation process. It is therefore a matter of regret and great dismay, and we dare say un-Ghanaian that people who had all the information on the matter, would behave as though they had no idea of actions that were being taken by the police in respect of the case,” the statement added.
Police started the investigations by contacting sister of the deceased who in a viral video alleged that her brother’s death was caused by police personnel who had manhandled him at West Hills Mall.
Initial investigations led to the arrest of Osei Kwame Boafo, a private security guard at West Hills Mall who was alleged to have used a taser on the deceased during his arrest.
The police took statements from witnesses at the scene of the incident including some private security guards at the mall and the arresting officer revealed that the deceased resisted arrest
Information gathered by the investigations indicates that during the course of the arrest, the deceased pulled out a substance from his bag (‘Wee’) which he quickly swallowed before anyone could stop him
He then became unconscious and was taken to the Sonotech Clinic for medical attention but was pronounced dead on arrival
On February 3, 2023, police pathologist met with interested parties and explained the post-mortem examination to them.
MP for Jomoro-Dorcas Toffey, MP for Ellembele-Kofi Armah Buah, MP for Madina-Francis Xavier Sosu, Amo Blay, Ama Cobbina, Alfred Osei Boafo all represented the deceased.
They were given the option to have the post-mortem examination conducted by a pathologist of their choice but they all agreed that the police pathologist conduct the examination.
The police urged the public to exercise restraint and patience with matters that are under investigations in order not to worsen the pain of those directly affected by such incidents.
