The National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah, has admitted that the military engaged in excesses when they stormed Garu after some national security operatives were allegedly attacked by residents.
Members of Parliament for Garu and Tempane have been demanding a parliamentary probe after their residents were allegedly brutalized by military men deployed to the area.
Delivering a statement in Parliament on the matter, Mr. Dapaah told MPs that despite the admitted excesses, he is unable to give a detailed brief because the matter is currently before the court.
“In the aftermath of the joint operation, reports have been made in respect of some excesses by the personnel who conducted the operation. This aspect of the matter is currently before the court, it will therefore be inappropriate to comment on the matter as it would amount to contempt of court,” he said.
He therefore urged parliamentarians to exercise introspection in discussing the matter based on the following;
- The dire security situation the country is confronted with in Bawku due to existing ethnic conflict in the area.
- Counter-terrorism operations going on in the area.
- The need not to demotivate and demoralise our state security personnel.
He added that an attack on the military personnel in the course of their legitimate duties in any other jurisdiction would be classified as an attack on the state.
But MP for Garu, Albert Alalzuuga who reiterated his quest for a parliamentary probe demanded compensation for the victims.
He also revealed that one of the victims had died after his skull was broken.
“The one who died according to the autopsy report had a broken skull and two broken ribs. If this is how the military retrieves arms, we would want to find out how many arms were retrieved from Garu, Temapane if there is any at all,” he demanded.
He also called on government to ensure that the military is not trained for internal security, adding that “it is not their work and so if you use them to do the wrong exercise, they will give you the wrong result.”
On his part, the Minority Spokesperson of Defence and Interior, James Agalga addressing journalists described the action of the military as collective punishment.
According to him, collective punishment is archaic and has no place under Ghana’s constitutional dispensation.
He also demanded to know who gave the order for the military to be deployed.
Latest Stories
-
ADB celebrates 60 years with health walk, eyes top 3 spot in Ghana’s banking sector
2 minutes -
The holiday that refused to die: Republic Day’s strategic resurrection
42 minutes -
My galamsey ventures
45 minutes -
Kumasi to get machinery park – 24H Economy Secretariat
50 minutes -
NSMQ2025: St. James Seminary flexes national pedigree with big zonal win and riddle bonanza sweep
55 minutes -
ECG assures stable power supply at KATH to improve healthcare delivery
57 minutes -
NPP desperate to avoid defeat in Ablekuma North re-run – Omane Boamah
59 minutes -
FirstBank Ghana launches 2025 internship to develop the next generation of leaders
1 hour -
Up from UPSA – whose nudity is naked?
1 hour -
Martyrs Day: Legal practitioners urged to uphold justice without fear or favor
1 hour -
Agradaa was jailed ‘not because of what she did, but who she is’ – Lawyer
1 hour -
Feed Africa first, we shall reach for the moon later – Obasanjo
2 hours -
BoG’s gold reserves increased by 8.05% since January 1, 2025, to 32.99 tonnes in June
3 hours -
Small-scale miners urged to operate responsibly to attract government’s support
3 hours -
Tourism Minister urges private sector to embed culture, excellence in hospitality
3 hours