NPP Germany Calls For An Independent Commission Of Inquiry For The Police Brutalities

The brutality of the Police sends a dangerous signal that Ghanaians who have the interest of the country at heart, should know that Ghana is now sitting on a time bomb in its pursuit in democracy.

Innocent Ghanaians demonstrating on the street to demand a new voters register were tear gassed and shot with rubber bullets. The right of Ghanaians to demonstrate is guaranteed by our constitution.

But a number of the protesters got injured and arrested including Justice Adzakumah, the 36 year old young man who lost one of his eyes as a result of Police brutality and Gabby Otchere Darko as he sustain severe and several beatings. The barbarous crime, brutal beatings, cruel tortures, vicious kicks, and slaps from the Police Officers must be condemned absolutely.

What happened on the 16th of September 2015, could only be compared to what occurred on the 28th February 1948. When veterans from the second World War in their demonstration to

present to the Governor of Gold Coast, their petition were met with brutality from the Police. Though some lost their lives, they did not rest on their oars, but fought until things changed. It is pure human right abuse, which the Ndc communicators especially Asiedu Nketia, their General Secretary, his Deputy Anyidoho, and Communication Minister Omane Boama blindly defending the Police. Even if the demonstrators broke the law, there was no justification for how they were brutally attacked by the very Police sworn to protect them.

President John Mahama condemned the Police for meting out unprovoked brutalities against unarmed demonstrators. He urged the Police Command to review what the Police did to the demonstrators, in line with policies and procedures the Police are expected to follow in response to the incident.

The Npp Germany calls for an independent commission of inquiry. We again support the call by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo ,our leader to the President and his government that a commission of inquiry is the only way to unearth the truth about what happened on that fateful day. Investigation should be beyond Police internal mechanism.

Justice would not be served on those who suffered injuries if the Police is to investigate some of its own personnel. One must not forget COP John Kudalor who stated on behalf of the Police, said I don't feel sorry, the boys did well. The government must set up an independent commission comprising representative from Human Rights Administrative Justice ( CHRAG ) and other civilian bodies.

The demonstrators must take their inspiration from the veterans and pusch until justice is served. We need a New Voters Register now.

Alex Tuffour

Communication Director Npp Germany .