Speaker Summons Interior, Defence Ministers Over Tamale Military,Police Clash

The Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Aaron Ocquaye, has ordered for the Ministers of Defence and Interior to appear before the house to explain the circumstances leading to the attack on some police officers in the Northern Regional Capital, Tamale.

Dominic Nitiwul and Ambrose Dery, Ministers of Defence and Interior respectively have been given four days to appear before the house over Wednesday’s altercation between the two security forces that left six (6) cops injured.

Dominic Nitiwul (L), Defence Minister and Ambrose Dery (R) Interior minister

The summon follows a joint advocacy by the Minority and the Majority to get the Ministers in question to brief parliament over the violence.

The Minority Leader and MP for Tamale south, Haruna Iddrisu, raising the issue on the floor indicated that the clashes have untold implications for the security of Tamale and the nation at large.

The order from the speaker was seconded by Deputy Majority leader, Sara Adwoa Sarfo, saying the matter is “worrying” and the House must be properly briefed.

The ministers are expected in the House on Tuesday, May 21, 2018 to brief the house on the steps taken to punish offenders in connection with the matter.

Meeting
The brutal attacks have been condemned by security experts and former security officers.

Speaking to Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe, host of the Morning Xpress on Radio XYZ 93.1MHZ, former National Security Advisor Brigadier General Joseph Nunoo-Mensah (rtd) condemned the act and charged the law enforcement agencies and the top hierarchy of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to deal ruthlessly with military men who assaulted police officers in the Northern Regional capital, Tamale.

The police administration is unhappy about the situation, especially as the attack is the third in a few months in that part of the country.

XYZ News’ Northern Regional Correspondent, Isaac Nongya reports has picked signals that a group of police officials, led by the Inspector General of police (IGP), Mr David Asante-Apeatu, together with the Interior and Defence ministers are in a close door meeting with the Military command at Military Barracks in Tamale.