The Government of Ghana have been called upon to reconsider its position not to prosecute Mohammed Sulemana who assaulted Mr. Sam George, the member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram.
The call made by the Coalition of Civil Societies Organisations Against Political Vigilantism (CCSAPV) at a press conference in Accra is in relation to Government decision in the White Paper it issued with regards to the Emile Short Commission’s recommendations after its probe into the January 31st Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence.
According to Government, in rejecting the Commission’s recommendations, the security operative of the National Security’s SWAT team was provoked by Mr George’s derogatory remarks, hence the assault.
However, the Chairman of the Coalition, Mr Mensah Thompson, at the press conference indicated that, government’ position creates the impression that, it supports the assault on Sam George.
Hence paves way for security operatives and Party LlGroups to use more violent or excessive force on unarmed civilians during elections.
To him, the unfortunate decision of government can also cause civilians to put their safety into their own hands during elections that, if care is not taken, it can degenerate into violent situations which is likely to undermine the peace of the nation.
Therefore used the ocassion to urge the Government to make a strong commitment towards paying compensation to victims of the violence by announcing specific packages.
Violence broke out near the La Bawaleshie Presbyterian Basic One School Polling station when the SWAT team clashed with some men in the residence of the National Democratic Congress’ candidate in the by-election.
The SWAT team said it was acting on a tipoff, which indicated that there were ammunitions in the house and proceeded to force their entry amidst resistance from the men it suspected to be trouble makers.
Some people got injured in the process.
Source: Ishmael Barfi
