The Minority Leader in Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu, has rejected government’s ministerial inquiry into the killings at Ejura.
According to him, the decision by President Akufo-Addo is not good enough, further calling for a commission to look into the matter.
His comments follow President Akufo-Addo’s instruction for the Interior Minister to conduct a public inquiry in 10 days into the chaos that resulted in the death of two persons following the killing of social activist, Ibrahim Mohammed.
“The President’s instruction is for a ministerial inquiry- we reject it. That is not good enough. We want a commission of inquiry within the meaning of Article 278 of the constitution. The President must appoint a sole commissioner or two or more persons to support a commissioner, just like the Ayawaso West Wugoun by-election violence commission of inquiry”.
Additionally, Mr Iddrisu explained that the President must accept full responsibility for “reducing this country into a police state.”
The Minority leader further bemoaned what he describes as government’s disrespect for fundamental human rights and freedom.
Commission inquiry on shooting
Mr Iddrisu further noted that, the dignity of man, liberty of citizens, and the constitutionally guaranteed rights to life are being trivialised. According to him, the Minority will accept the recommendations of such a commission chaired by a Supreme Court Justice or a Retired Justice.
“The excesses of the police and the military in Ejura resulted in the loss of lives of three other persons, added to Ibrahim Muhammed, alias Kaaka. There is the complicity of state security agencies, and they can absolve themselves. We want to see the President appoint a Justice of the Supreme Court or retired justice of the Supreme Court to lead this process because we will ultimately accept recommendations that call for reforms.
“We want that type of Commission of Inquiry not a Ministerial one. There is complicity of state security agencies, they cannot absorb themselves”.
President instructs probe into Ejura shooting
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo, has directed the Minister for Interior, Ambrose Dery to conduct a public inquiry into the circumstances that led to the occurrences at Ejura in the Ashanti Region.
In a statement signed by the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, he indicated that, the Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, has ten days to submit the report.
“The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has instructed the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ambrose Dery, MP, to conduct, forthwith, a Public Inquiry into the circumstances that led to the unfortunate occurrences of Tuesday, 29th June 2021.
“The Interior Minister is to provide a detailed report from the Inquiry, with recommendations for appropriate action, within ten days, i.e., by 9th July 2021, to President Akufo-Addo”.
The President further extended his condolence to the families of those who lost their lives at Ejura and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
“The President is deeply saddened by the deaths of Ibrahim Mohammed, alias ‘Kaaka’, Abdul Nasir Yussif, and Murtala Mohammed. He extends sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.”
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