The Ghana Police Service has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale, with the arrest of a key suspect believed to have played a role in his assassination.
The suspect, identified as Daniel Owusu Koranteng, also known as Akwasi Amakye, is alleged to have betrayed his close friend by leaking his photographs to a prominent Ghanaian politician before his tragic death.
Ahmed Suale was shot and killed near his family home in Madina on January 16, 2019, by unidentified assailants. His murder came after his collaboration with the BBC on an investigative report. Prior to his death, he had worked with Tiger Eye Private Investigations alongside the suspect, who was later dismissed from the organization.
Sources indicate that Amakye fled the country immediately after police linked him to the case. His movements were closely monitored following an investigation by the FBI, which extracted crucial evidence, including phone records of conversations between him and Suale in the days leading up to the murder. The late journalist’s phones were also sent to the United States as part of the probe.
According to a source at the police Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Amakye frequently visited Suale at his residence in Madina before his sudden departure from Ghana. It is believed that he later relocated to the UK to evade arrest.
However, his return to Ghana last week led to his capture at Amasaman-Adease, where he was found at a hair-plaiting salon.
While the arrest marks a major development in the case, tensions have reportedly emerged within the police service. A senior officer is said to be pushing for Amakye to be granted police inquiry bail instead of being immediately arraigned before the court, a move that has sparked unease at the police headquarters.
Ahmed Suale’s murder sent shockwaves across the country, particularly as it followed his team’s groundbreaking exposé on corruption in African football, with a special focus on Ghana. His death remains one of the most high-profile attacks on press freedom in the country.
Source myjoyonline.com
