The chilling assassination of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale on January 16, 2019, cast a long shadow over press freedom in Ghana. Nearly six years later, the case has taken a dramatic turn with the arrest and charging of Daniel Owusu Koranteng, a former associate of Suale at Tiger Eye PI, with murder. Koranteng stands accused of inflicting unlawful harm leading to Suale’s death, a charge he vehemently denies. The prosecution’s case hinges on placing Koranteng near Suale’s Madina residence at the time of the shooting. Witness testimonies and gathered evidence allegedly position Koranteng in the vicinity immediately before and during the incident, raising serious questions about his potential involvement. Furthermore, his reported departure from Madina around 11 p.m. that night, returning to his home in Amasaman, has drawn further scrutiny to his movements and timeline on the fateful night.
Adding to the complexity of the case is Koranteng’s subsequent evasion of police questioning and his reported flight to the United Kingdom later in 2019. This act, seen by some as an admission of guilt, further fueled suspicions surrounding his role in the murder. His whereabouts remained unknown for several years, prompting sustained surveillance by law enforcement. This vigilance finally paid off with his return to Ghana on March 15, 2025, leading to his prompt apprehension by authorities. The long arm of the law had finally caught up with him, bringing a renewed focus on the pursuit of justice for Ahmed Suale.
A key element in the investigation revolves around the alleged sale of Suale’s photographs to the controversial political figure, Kennedy Agyapong. Investigators posit that Suale had identified Koranteng as the individual responsible for this transaction, which might have provided the motive for the fatal attack. Agyapong had publicly criticized Suale and exposed his photograph in the wake of Tiger Eye PI’s exposé on corruption in Ghanaian football, an investigation in which Suale played a crucial role. This public targeting of Suale raised concerns about his safety in the months leading up to his murder.
However, Koranteng has steadfastly denied any involvement in the sale of Suale’s images or any connection to his murder. He maintains his innocence, asserting that he had no reason to harm his former colleague. This denial sets the stage for a potentially protracted legal battle, where the prosecution will need to present compelling evidence to link Koranteng directly to the crime. The defense, on the other hand, will strive to dismantle the prosecution’s case and establish reasonable doubt regarding Koranteng’s culpability.
The case officially commenced with Koranteng’s arraignment before the Madina District Court on Wednesday. The court subsequently remanded him into custody pending further investigation and legal proceedings. The case has been adjourned until April 1, 2025, providing both the prosecution and defense with time to prepare their arguments and gather further evidence. This adjournment marks a significant step in the legal process, allowing for a more comprehensive examination of the facts and circumstances surrounding Suale’s death.
The murder of Ahmed Suale and the subsequent charges against Daniel Owusu Koranteng have captivated public attention in Ghana and beyond. The case resonates deeply due to the nature of Suale’s investigative work, which often delved into sensitive and controversial issues. His death highlighted the inherent risks faced by journalists, particularly those who expose corruption and challenge powerful figures. The ongoing legal proceedings will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized, as the outcome holds significant implications for press freedom and the safety of journalists in Ghana. The pursuit of justice for Suale remains paramount, not only for his family and colleagues but also for the protection of investigative journalism and the fundamental right to a free press.
