[1980]DLHC1625 • August 8, 1980 • High Court
REPUBLIC vs. DIRECTOR OF PRISONS AND ANOTHER; EX PARTE SHACKLEFORD
The applicant, Lloyd Shackleford, a businessman in Accra, was summoned to report to the Air Force Station, Burma Camp on 8 June 1979. Upon reporting, he was severely beaten, interrogated multiple times by various officers regarding knowledge of the late Head of State I.K. Acheampong and other Commissioners of State, and detained without formal trial. Despite assurances of release, he was transferred between detention centers and ultimately imprisoned at Nsawam Medium Security Prison. He was informed on 23 October 1979 that he had been convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment, but was not told the court or trial details. The applicant's wife filed for habeas corpus to inquire into the legality of his detention.
read moreJUDGMENT OF CECILIA KORANTENG-ADDOW J. The applicant, by his wife, Elizabeth Shackleford, has applied to this court for a writ or order of habeas corpus for the purpose of inquiring into the reason for his detention and ordering his release. The applicant was a businessman carrying on business in Accra. On 8 June 1979, his name was mentioned on the radio requesting him to report at the Air Force Station Burma Camp, Accra and he reported at 1.30 p.m. on that date. What transpired between the time he reported and 23 October 1979 has been stated in paragraph 6 of the affidavit in support of the motion sworn to by his wife. To feel its full effect and get the sequence right, I reproduce the said paragraph hereunder: “6. That I am informed by my husband, and I verily believe the same to be true: (a) That upon reporting to the said station he was severely beaten up and sent to the guardroom; (b) that later that day, my husband was told by Flt. Lt. Owusu Fianku that my husband had b.....