An Eleven-year-old boy identified as Stephen Boadi living in Akyem Oda Old Town within the Birim Central Municipality in Eastern Region has had his right palm burnt as punishment for allegedly spending GHC2 given to him by a Police Officer, Edmond Laryea to buy pure water but ended up using it to buy food to eat out of hunger.
According to reports, the actions of the Police Officer have sparked outrage as the neighbors around are calling for justice, after the officer defended his actions, claiming that he was summoned by the child’s guardians to discipline him for misbehavior.
The reports indicated the police officer purportedly attempted to frighten Stephen by placing his hand in a fire, intending to scare him rather than cause harm, but the outcome was tragic, resulting in severe burns to the boy’s hand.
The victim as gathered is an orphan residing with indifferent relatives, who has reportedly resorted to delinquent behavior, including theft within the community due to lack of parental care.
An eyewitness, Justice Owusu who confirmed the incident explained the harrowing sight of Stephen’s burnt hand, shedding light on the severity of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Police Command in the Municipality has since taken over the matter as investigations into the matter have uncovered troubling details about Stephen’s circumstances.
-BY Daniel Bampoe