Judith Yaa Kumah, who lost part of her ear during a police investigation into an alleged robbery, has filed a lawsuit against the Ghana Police Service (GPS), Corporal Clement Suputour, and the Attorney General (AG) for human rights violations and seeking GH¢15 million in damages.

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Kumah's lawyer, Mr. Andrew Khartey, has taken legal action against the defendants, including the AG, who represents the government. The defendants have been given eight days to respond to the suit, or judgment may be rendered in their absence.

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The suit claims GH¢6 million for human rights violations by the GPS and its officers, GH¢3 million for false arrest, assault, and battery, and another GH¢3 million for negligence and violations of her fundamental rights.

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Kumah is also seeking an additional GH¢3 million for the torturous acts she endured, including the forced extraction of a statement, and the trauma caused by her injury. Furthermore, Khartey is asking the Court to order the defendants to cover all expenses for the reconstruction of Kumah’s ear and for resolving her hearing impairment.

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According to the statement of claim, Kumah was arrested without being informed of the reason for her detention and without any legal justification, making her arrest unlawful. The writ further details the physical injury inflicted on her, including the amputation of part of her ear, which is described as an act of assault and battery. The writ also states that the delay in providing medical results violated Kumah’s right to health and life.

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Kumah was arrested on February 29, 2024, while visiting her boyfriend at the Community One Police Station, where he had been detained. Instead of being released, she was arrested and transferred to the Community Eight Police Station. There, Corporal Suputour allegedly attempted to forcibly extract a confession from her without informing her of the reason for her arrest or her right to a lawyer. She was questioned about a crime involving another individual, which she denied knowledge of.

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During the interrogation, Suputour allegedly cut off the upper part of Kumah’s right ear with a metal object. Instead of receiving medical treatment, Kumah was offered marijuana by the officer to ease the pain, which she declined. Later, under orders from a senior officer, Suputour took Kumah to the Community Two Police Clinic, but the clinic lacked the necessary medical equipment to treat her injuries. The severed part of her ear was reportedly not preserved and has since gone missing.

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At the clinic, it was discovered that Kumah was pregnant, but Suputour showed no concern for her condition and instead returned her to the police station for further questioning. During her continued detention, Kumah was accused of involvement in a car robbery after being allegedly identified in CCTV footage related to the crime. Suputour allegedly coerced her into signing a confession, threatening to cut off her other ear if she did not comply.

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Despite the accusations, security officers at the crime scene did not identify Kumah, and she was not recognized during an identification parade. Ultimately, Kumah was charged, but the prosecution failed to present the CCTV footage in court, leading to her discharge. New suspects were later charged for the same crime.

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The writ further states that Kumah has suffered significant emotional distress, including embarrassment, reduced confidence in social situations, and trauma from the unlawful treatment. She is seeking compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm caused by the violation of her rights and dignity.

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