The Ghana Police Service has made a breakthrough in the long-running case of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale’s murder by arresting a key suspect.
Arrest of a Close Associate
The suspect, identified as Daniel Owusu Koranteng, also known as Akwasi Amakye, was reportedly a close associate of Suale before his tragic death. He is accused of betraying the journalist by leaking his photographs to a prominent Ghanaian politician prior to the murder.
Sources reveal that Amakye had previously worked with Suale at Tiger Eye Private Investigations, the renowned investigative firm founded by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas. However, Amakye was dismissed from the organization before the assassination. Their history of collaboration on several high-profile investigations makes the betrayal particularly shocking.
A source close to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) stated, "The suspect was a frequent visitor at Suale’s residence in Madina before the incident occurred."
Background on Ahmed Suale’s Murder
Ahmed Suale was gunned down near his family home in Madina on January 16, 2019. His killing came shortly after he worked on a BBC documentary exposing corruption in African football, particularly in Ghana. His exposé, Number 12, led to the banning of the former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kwesi Nyantakyi, and implicated several high-profile figures.
FBI Involvement in the Case
Investigations into the murder extended beyond Ghana, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States extracting crucial information. This included phone records showing communication between Amakye and Ahmed Suale just days before the murder.
While the arrest has provided some relief to Suale’s family and colleagues, authorities emphasize that investigations are ongoing, and further developments are expected.
Public Scrutiny of the Police Investigation
The Ghana Police Service has faced mounting criticism over the slow progress of the case, with many questioning why it took six years to make an arrest.
GJA’s Ultimatum to the Police
In January 2025, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) issued a two-month ultimatum to the police, demanding significant progress in the case. The association warned that if no substantial action was taken by March 2025, it would escalate the matter to the ECOWAS Court of Justice and other international human rights bodies.
At a press conference in Accra, GJA President Albert Dwumfour expressed deep frustration over the lack of accountability in the case.
"It is unfortunate and disappointing that six years after Ahmed Suale’s murder, no arrests had been made. Even more disheartening is the sluggish police investigation," Mr. Dwumfour stated.
Lack of Prosecution-Ready Evidence
Concerns over the case were further heightened in February 2024, when former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame disclosed that his office had not received any prosecution-ready docket from the police, five years after the murder.
Adding to the controversy, Kwame Asare-Obeng (A-Plus), MP for Gomoa Central, claimed he had submitted critical information about the suspected killers to the Police CID. He even threatened to publicly expose the suspect’s identity if authorities failed to act.
"These developments raise serious concerns about whether the police are genuinely committed to solving this case," Mr. Dwumfour added.
Push for Justice Continues
The arrest marks a significant turning point in a case that has drawn international condemnation and sparked serious concerns over journalist safety in Ghana.
The GJA and press freedom advocates have vowed to keep pushing for justice for Ahmed Suale and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
As investigations continue, the public remains watchful, hoping that this arrest will finally lead to justice for the slain journalist.