RISE Condemns Police Attack On Civilians

RISE-Ghana wishes to express its grave concerns and dissatisfaction at recent increasing spate of violent confrontations between the Police Officers and Civilians in several parts of the country.

Whiles condemning the action of individuals who break the law by obstructing police officers in the line of duty, it must be noted that the behaviour of some police officers in effecting arrest and crowd control is totally unacceptable and serves as recipe for escalating tensions.

As organization interested in advancing human rights and promoting accountability of state and non-state duty bearers, we deem it necessary demand increased responsiveness and the accountability on the part of the police which is supposed to operate as a civil force guided by the constitution of the republic and the international bill of rights and other legal frameworks ratified and accented to by Ghana.

Following recent reports of attacks on police stations in different parts of the country, we deem it necessary to make the following observations.

1. We wish to unequivocally condemn the action of the youth and all civilians who were involved in attacking and vandalizing police property.
2. The Police need to be mindful of the possibility of escalating tension in conflict affected areas by adopting proper community relations and avoid resorting to the use of fire arms at the slightest provocation, all Officers must be guided by the principles of reasonable force and democratic policing.
3. The relationship between the Police and the community should be that of trust and cohesion not one of cynicism and brutalities. Citizen’s trust is vital for effective policing.
4. The Police must act with tact and care when dealing with the opinion and religious heads particularly those well revered and with a large following. Their followers need to be made aware that due process is followed in the rare case of arrest, Rambo-style arrests do not belong in the 21^st century.
5. Policing should be based on thorough understanding of local situations and culture so as not to undermine the peace of fragile communities. The arbitrary use of force by the Police in Bawku just because it is a restive town must stop. We have had reports of intimidation and instances of human right abuses by the Police in Bawku. These actions dent their image and credibility.

1. We conclude with fervent appeal to the IGP to consider the recent happenings as a wakeup call.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

AWAL Ahmed

Project Manager

Demanding Excellence Project.