West Hills Mall Incident: Deceased Had Cannabis In His Throat - Autopsy Report

A pathological examination conducted on the body of Shadrach Arloo who died at the West Hills Mall, a shopping centre located at Dukonah, near Weija along the Accra Cape Coast Highway revealed that he died from Asphyxiation and obstruction of airway by foreign body. The postmortem examination conducted February 7, 2023 also led to the retrieval from the throat of the deceased a total of 8 zipped bags of dread leaves suspected to be Indian hemp tied in a piece of black polythene.

A test conducted on the substance tested positive for cannabis when submitted to the forensic lab for examination in the presence of all parties involved in the case. This was contained in a statement released by Police on Tuesday February 7, as part of its investigations into the matter to unravel the circumstances and what led to the death of Shadrach Arloo following allegations of murder against officials of the Mall.

Police said in view of the outcome of the investigation, the docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General for study and advice to determine further police action on the matter. It would be recalled that Police on January 30, 20 2023 commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of Shadrach Arloo at the West Hills Mall.

As part of the investigation, Police said Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) contacted Madam Perpetual Didier, sister of the deceased who alleged in the viral video that the brother was killed by a police officer who had manhandled him at the West Hills Mall. Initial investigation by police led to the arrest of one Osei Kwame Boafo, a private security guard at the Mall who was alleged to have used a taser on the deceased during his arrest.

“Police statements taken from witnesses at the scene including some private security guards revealed that the deceased had resisted arrest by the police officer who was being assisted by private security guard. The narrative of event, as gathered by Police indicates that during the cause of arrest, the deceased pulled out a substance from his bag which he quickly swallowed before anyone could stop him.

He became unconscious shortly afterwards and was taken to Sonotech Clinic for medical attention but was pronounced dead on arrival. “As part of investigation process, on 3rd February, the police pathologist held a meeting with the interested parties in the case to explain the postmortem examination to them.

Present from the deceased side were Dorcas Toffey (Hon. MP, Jomoro) Kofi Armah Buah, (Hon. MP, Ellembele), Francis Xavier Kojo Sosu (Hon. MP, Madina) Mr. Amo Blay and Madam Ama Cobbina, Alfred Osei Boafo was also present for the accused person, Osei Kwame Boafo. “At the meeting, the parties were given option to have the postmortem examination conducted by a pathologist of their choice but they all agreed that Police Pathologist should conduct the examination,” the police statement further clarified.