Adib Saani, a security analyst has cautioned the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces against shielding security officers involved in the shootings in Ejura.
Saani said any such move would result in a lack of confidence and trust among Ghanaians in the various state security agencies.
On Tuesday (29 June), two persons were shot dead, while four others sustained gunshot injuries after a clash between security personnel and some protesting youth in Ejura-Sekyedumase.
Reacting to the incident on The Big Bulletin with Beatrice Adu, Saani explained that ensuring accountability in the security services and bringing to book officers who indulge in criminal activities would boost the trust of Ghanaians in the integrity of the various security services to carry out their mandates in accordance with the law.
“During the elections, some people were killed as I earlier on stated, and we don’t know what has become of the investigations. I think that a proper, thorough and elaborate investigation should be conducted into what has happened.
“There is always the possibility of shielding law enforcement officers or members within the security services when they do the wrong thing and it doesn’t help because ensuring accountability within the security services is in the best interest of the security services.
Saani added, “When you have a population that doesn’t [have] trust in you, they invariably become anchor operative and it would make it very difficult for the security services to do their work.”
Saani believes the inability of the police to issue an arrest for the murder of Ibrahim “Kaaka” Mohammed led to the protest and clash in Ejura-Sekyedumase
He said the action cemented fears that nothing would come out of the police investigation into the case.
“People in that area feel this is going to be another number. In the past, it has happened and nobody was held to account and it’s going to happen like that on this occasion and their issues were further solidified by the fact that the police didn’t make an arrest despite all the complaints surrounding the issue.
“The police only made an arrest after the disturbance. So a lot of the issue has to do with the lack of trust in the ability of the systems to operate,” he added.
Public inquiry
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has instructed the Interior Minister, Hon. Ambrose Dery to undertake a public inquiry into the unfortunate incident of Tuesday, 29 June at Ejura.
The minister is expected to provide a comprehensive report with recommendations for appropriate action by 9 July 2021 to the president.
Elliot Nuertey
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