The Ghana Police Service has issued an official statement to deny a public claim by the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, that he was told by three top officers of the Police Service that the recent arrest of his party’s parliamentary candidate for Awutu Senya East was based on “orders from above.”
The Police statement, issued Sunday afternoon, in response to the claim by Asiedu Nketia said no police officer had and any such comments to Asiedu Nketia.
The statement read: “The attention of the Ghana Police Service has been drawn to a video in which Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia is heard claiming that the Accra Regional Police Commander, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Inspector- General of Police had indicated to him that the arrest of some three persons for possession of firearms at Ofaakor in the Awutu Senya East Constituency was based on an order from above.
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“We would like to categorically state that the claims are false and without any bases. None of the officers mentioned in the video has at any point in time made any such pronouncement.
“We wish to emphasize that all three suspects were arrested when a Pump Action gun with four rounds of ammunition was found in their vehicle at the offices of the Electoral Commission at Ofaakor in the Awutu Senya East constituency of the Central region. They have subsequently been cautioned and granted bail”, it concluded.
A video gone viral captured, Mr. Asiedu Nketia making the said allegations being denied by the Ghana Police Service.
The NDC National Chairman, speaking at a gathering soon after the police had granted bail to the party’s PC for Awutu Senya East; Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunnor, Mustapha Mohammed, and Abdul Aziz Musah who were arrested for possession of firearm without lawful authority.
Speaking in Twi, Asiedu Nketia noted:
“The issue is not a police case; it is politics they are doing. If you inquire the charges imposed on them, everyone is saying they don’t know and that it is order from above.
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“With the police service we know the above is IGP. If the Head of CID, Regional Police Commander as well as the IGP are saying the arrest was order from above, then who is it? Because beyond IGP is the Interior Minister, Akufo-Addo and Kan Dapaah”, Asiedu Nketia added.
Johnson Asiedu Nketia warned the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to remain fair as the 2024 general elections approach.
He said no Ghanaian laws are meant to intimidate citizens and promised that the NDC would resist any misuse of state power against its members.
“We will fight for freedom. We will not allow the state’s coercive powers to be used against us,” he stated.
Naa Koryoo’s detention at the Cantonments Police Station on June 7 sparked anger among NDC supporters, leading to a protest at the station.
Scores of the party’s supporters trooped to pitch camp at the station calling for the immediate release of the three
The arrest received criticism from various sources, including former President John Dramani Mahama.
Naa Koryoo’s assistant, Delali Sewarkpor, described the detention as politically driven, attributing it to influences within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
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The NDC communication Bureau in the Awutu Senya East constituency, moments after the arrests, issued statement which basically blamed the NPP.
Below is the full statement:
The NDC Communication Bureau of the Awutu Senya East Constituency expresses its profound concern and condemnation over the violent incident that occurred in the early hours of this morning. This unfortunate event stands as yet another instance of aggression and lawlessness perpetuated by elements associated with the NPP, under the apparent sponsorship and direction of Hawa Koomson.
On the previous day, an agreement was reached between the police and the two main political parties in the Awutu Senya East Constituency to prevent the busing in of people to queue for vote transfers. Despite this agreement, at approximately 2:00 AM today, the NPP blatantly violated this accord by busing in about 50 thugs to the center. This unlawful act led to an immediate confrontation with both the police and members of the NDC present at the scene.
The situation escalated further when Ato Koomson, son of Hawa Koomson, arrived with additional individuals who violently attacked the NDC members. The NDC members, outnumbered and outmatched, faced severe beatings. As a result, two of our members fainted, and one, identified as Asmah, suffered significant injuries, bleeding profusely. This tragic turn of events underscores the need for immediate intervention and justice.
We are closely monitoring the police’s actions regarding this incident, especially considering the historical context of attacks on NDC supporters allegedly orchestrated by Hawa Koomson. We have noted with concern the police’s decision to take Daniel Techie Mensah, the NDC Constituency Organiser, to the Police Headquarters in Accra. This action appears selective and raises questions about the impartiality of the police’s response.
In light of these events, we call for the following:
- An Immediate and Impartial Investigation: The police must conduct a thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the incident, ensuring that all perpetrators are held accountable, regardless of political affiliation.
- Protection of All Citizens: The police must ensure the safety and protection of all citizens, particularly members of the NDC, who have been repeatedly targeted and victimized.
- Adherence to Agreements: We urge all parties, including law enforcement, to respect and adhere to agreements made to maintain peace and order during electoral processes.
We stand firm in our commitment to justice and the protection of our members. The NDC will continue to advocate for the rights and safety of all individuals in the Awutu Senya East Constituency.
Signed,
Comrade Stephen Delali Sowoekpor
Constituency Communication Officer
NDC Communication Bureau, Awutu Senya East Constituency
