In Kumasi, an altercation between two police officers and a civilian escalated after the officers approached the civilian for a search on suspicion of possessing hard drugs or a gun.

The civilian, feeling offended by the officers' decision to search him, began recording the encounter on his phone. This action further agitated the officers, who were also offended by being recorded.

The incident, which occurred in a public area, quickly attracted the attention of onlookers. Tensions rose as the civilian refused to comply with the officers' requests and continued to record the interaction.

The male civilian later gave in and removed the items from his bag as the police officers took over the recording after the civilian handed over his phone to them.

No drugs were found. An ID card, money and tissues were found.

Later, the civilian requested that his phone be returned to him. The Police officers refused and questioned the civilian on his mandate to record them.

They engaged in a banter and finally the civilian got hold of his phone.

The conduct of the officers per the law can be deemed as unprofessional.

According to the Ghana Police Service Standard Operating Procedures (Legal and Prosecutions Directorate) based on Act 1960 (Act 30) of Ghana’s Criminal Procedure Code with the subject ‘Searches of dwellings, other premises and persons’ here’s what we know.

1. Purpose.

To define the search and seizure activities of the Police in full accordance with the law.

2. Procedures.

2.1. Searches without a warrant.

2.1.1. A Police Officer may search without a warrant if he has reasonable cause to believe that a person has concealed on himself or is conveying;

a. An article which has been stolen or unlawfully obtained.

b. An article in respect of which a criminal offence has been, is being or about to be committed.

2.1.2. A Police Officer not below the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police or who being below the rank has been authorized in writing by an officer of the said rank may enter a house, shop, warehouse, yard, boat, vessel, or other premises which the Police Officer has reasonable cause to believe contains property which has been stolen or obtained by unlawful means.

2.2. Searches with a warrant.

2.2.1. Where a Police Officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that there is in a building, vessel or any other premises;

a. A thing in respect of a which an offence has been committed.

b. A thing which is intended to be used for the purpose of committing an offence.

c. A thing which has been unlawfully obtained.

d. A thing of which possession is unlawful’.

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