Ablekuma North Re-run: Arrested Over Violence, NPP Demands Action

IGP Christian Tetteh Yohuno and Henry Nana Boakye

 

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has announced the arrest of eight individuals in connection with the violence that erupted during the Ablekuma North election re-run.

At a meeting with the leadership of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Yohuno said the suspects were being processed and would be arraigned before court within the week.

“The Accra Regional Commander, as of yesterday, said he had eight suspects. Eight suspects have been arrested. They are being processed, and from the advice I had from the Regional Commander, tomorrow or Friday, they will be put before the court,” the IGP said.

He further reassured the GJA leaders of the service’s commitment to ensuring justice, adding: “We are making progress, and we will make sure that, whatever happens, justice will be served to those who, in one way or another, did not do their work in a professional manner.”

On allegation of shielding the interdicted police officer, who assaulted a journalist, the IGP dismissed the claim as unfounded, noting that the officer in question was not at post.

“There is a rumour going around that we have transferred the policeman to another station, which is not true. When an officer is interdicted, he is no longer in active service. The only option is for him to return to his hometown or village. So perhaps when people saw this officer back home, they assumed he had been transferred,” he explained.

He revealed that the Police Professional Standards Bureau had finished inquiries into the officer’s conduct, and that he had received the investigative report.

“That investigation has been completed and handed over to me. So it means that a service enquiry is going to be conducted into his conduct and then the appropriate sanction will follow,” he stressed.

Commenting on previous incidents involving misconduct, Mr. Yohuno acknowledged shortcomings but stressed the need to learn from them and move forward.

“We cannot claim perfection. It is important to draw lessons from the past rather than dwell on them. My administration is committed to preventing a recurrence of such incidents. We recognise the challenges and pressures that come with policing, and we are working to improve,” the IGP stated.

The IGP confirmed that disciplinary measures will be taken against the officer involved, noting that the Professional Standards Unit has recommended sanctions through service orders.

By Prince Fiifi Yorke

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