General Corporal Robert Katey Koranteng of the Ghana Police Service has been arraigned before the Adabraka District Court in Accra and charged with murder in connection with the death of 20-year-old Central University law student Ivan Apprey Baidoo.
The 34-year-old police officer, who was stationed at the Traffic Management Enforcement Unit at the Police Headquarters in Accra, appeared before the court on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.He is accused of unlawfully causing Baidoo’s death, contrary to Section 46 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Corrections Policy
The charge follows investigations into a motorbike crash that occurred on August 27, 2026, during which the university student sustained fatal injuries.According to the prosecution, Baidoo had boarded a Yango motorbike operated by Samuel Wesley Arthur from Ashongman Estates to the East Legon Astroturf Park, where he intended to play football.
The prosecution told the court that as the motorbike approached the UPSA traffic intersection, the rider allegedly drove through a red traffic light.
Corporal Koranteng, who was reportedly on duty at the intersection, is said to have pursued the motorbike and signalled the rider to stop.The prosecution alleges that Arthur failed to comply and continued through the Okponglo traffic light and the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange before proceeding onto the Tema Motorway.
It further alleges that after the Old Tollbooth on the Tema Motorway, Corporal Koranteng kicked the motorbike while pursuing it. Newscard
According to the prosecution, the alleged action caused the rider to lose control of the motorcycle, resulting in a crash into a concrete barrier.
The prosecution also told the court that the officer allegedly failed to stop or arrange immediate medical assistance for the victims before leaving the scene.Baidoo and Arthur were later transported to the Tema General Hospital by Good Samaritans. Baidoo was pronounced dead on arrival, while Arthur received medical treatment and was subsequently discharged.
Postmortem Establishes Cause of Death
A postmortem examination conducted on September 3, 2026, by Dr Eric Dumfeh, a pathologist at the Tema General Hospital, attributed Baidoo’s death to haemorrhagic shock.
The medical findings indicated that the shock resulted from bilateral haemothorax and haemoperitoneum caused by blunt trauma to the chest and abdomen.
Bilateral haemothorax refers to the accumulation of blood in both sides of the chest cavity, while haemoperitoneum is the presence of blood in the abdominal cavity.
The findings are expected to form part of the evidence considered in the ongoing criminal proceedings.The Homicide Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) took over the investigation on September 8.
Corporal Koranteng was arrested on September 12 and subsequently brought before the court.The Police Service had earlier identified and interdicted the officer after preliminary investigations reportedly linked him to the incident.
Interdiction is an administrative measure that temporarily removes an officer from active duty while an investigation or disciplinary process is ongoing.
In addition to the criminal investigation being conducted by the CID’s Homicide Unit, the Police Professional Standards Bureau is separately examining the officer’s conduct.
The separate review is expected to assess whether the officer’s actions complied with police procedures, professional standards and operational requirements.
The allegations against Corporal Koranteng have not been determined by the court. He remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty through due legal process.
Family Seeks JusticeBaidoo’s family had previously called for a transparent investigation and prosecution if the evidence established the officer’s culpability.
His father, Evans Baidoo, said the family did not believe his son had died in an ordinary accident and urged the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The death has also drawn attention to concerns about police conduct during traffic enforcement and the need for officers to exercise restraint and follow approved procedures when pursuing road users. Editorial Ethics & Independence
While police officers are mandated to enforce traffic regulations and respond to violations, such actions must be carried out within the law and with due regard for public safety.
The ongoing investigations are expected to establish the sequence of events, the conduct of all persons involved and whether the alleged actions directly contributed to Baidoo’s death.
Baidoo is scheduled to be buried on Saturday, September 19, 2026. A pre-burial service is scheduled for 6 a.m., followed by the main burial service at 7 a.m. at CEM Rehoboth Temple near Wisconsin University.
The case remains before the Adabraka District Court as investigations continue.
Further developments are expected as the prosecution presents evidence and the court considers the charge against the police corporal.