Lawyers of the lady, who was allegedly assaulted within the banking hall of Midland Savings and Loans, have denied a GhC100,000 compensation for their client Patience Osafo.
Osafo was allegedly beaten to pulp by a police guard Lance Corporal Fredrick Amanor at the bank over a misunderstanding following her inability to withdraw GhC250.
The footage sparked outrage among Ghanaians leading to the arrest and interdiction of the peace officer.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Francis Abban on Monday, Mr. Sampson Lardy Anyenini, who represents the victim confirmed a two-bedroom house has been agreed on as compensation for Patience but denied the GhC100,000 cash benefit. However, he said the victim has been given “undisclosed amount” in multiple accounts of not less than GhC5,000.
“We have signed a deal that gives her a two-bedroom house in an estate. She will be compensated with some cash as well. Patience is very happy about the compensation. In fact, she is more than happy,” Mr. Anyenini confirmed.
Touching on the trial, Mr. Anyenini said he was surprised the defendant pleaded not guilty in court, hinting more charges could be preferred against the police officer.
“The police officer pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault when we were in court. I do not know why he pleaded not guilty and I was a bit surprised but I want to believe he has been advised appropriately.
“Maybe the police officer pleaded not guilty because the law says police officers have the right and powers to ensure preservation of order and that they are entitled to use reasonable force in the preservation of order.
“Watching the video, the force used to preserve order was not reasonable if you ask me,” Ayenini remarked.
He added: “Fredrick Amanor should not be charged with just mere Assault but rather assault with battering. There is a possibility of a third charge of exposing the child to danger which is also another offense
“From the way things are going, I doubt Fredrick will get his job preserved. He might lose his job.”
The 1:26 seconds amateur video shows the officer, who had a gun with him, hitting the woman on the head repeatedly and slapping her at a point, despite a desperate attempt by an unidentified man to separate them.
Midland has since apologised over the action and suspended its staff who were present at the scene.
Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/103.5FM
