Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has revealed that National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah, will no longer be required to make an appearance before the House over the military attacks on residents of Garu and Tempane in the Upper East Region.
Responding to a question posed by the Member of Parliament for Buem, Kofi Adams, on when the Minister would be scheduled to brief the house on the matter, Alexander Afenyo-Markin indicated the issue has been laid to rest.
He revealed that the matter has been closed, as the eight people arrested and remanded have been released.
“Leadership asked me to engage the National Security Minister, and I came to report the outcome of the engagement, which led to the National Security Ministry releasing the gentlemen who were in custody. I must explain here that at the time I was sent here, the court had remanded them for two weeks. Upon all considerations, National Security, through its prosecutor, applied for rescission of the said order, upon which the court granted.
“And the same day, the government ensured that all those gentlemen were sent to Garu and handed over to the families. So, Mr. Speaker, that matter has been settled. The National Security did what was supposed to be done and followed due process. So, Mr. Speaker, that matter is closed.”
Alexander Afenyo-Markin
Democracy hub condemns military attack
Meanwhile, Democracy Hub, a leading advocate for human rights and constitutional governance in Ghana, has condemned the recent incidents of gross human rights violations that have taken place in the towns of Garu and Tempane in the Upper East region of Ghana.
The group noted that these reprehensible actions are a part of a disturbing pattern of abuse and brutality by the Ghana Armed Forces against its own citizens, often with the apparent complicity of elected public officials.
It revealed that the events in Garu and Tempane, where military personnel perpetrated heinous acts against civilians, including unwarranted entry into homes, physical assaults, and inhumane treatment, are deeply distressing.
“These incidents have had a profound and lasting impact on the affected communities, causing fear, disruption of daily life, and lingering apprehension. Regrettably, there has been a recorded death post-brutality, of a fellow Ghanaian who was recovering from surgical wounds.”
Democracy Hub
Furthermore, Democracy Hub expressed deep concern that such incidents are not isolated but are indicative of a wider problem. To this end, it noted that it cannot ignore the disturbing trend of military interventions in Ghana’s civilian communities, which are often accompanied by gross human rights abuses.
“These actions not only undermine the fundamental principles of human rights and democracy but also erode the trust between the government, the military, and the people it is meant to protect.”
Democracy Hub
To address the situation, the group called for immediate and comprehensive actions to address the “crisis”. With this, it demanded that Parliament undertakes meaningful reforms within the Ghana Armed Forces to ensure that they respect the rule of law, human rights, and the dignity of all citizens.
Also, the group emphasized the need for those responsible for such human rights abuses be held accountable for their actions. This, it highlighted, includes not only the military personnel involved but also any public officials who may have been complicit or condoned these actions.
“The victims of these abuses deserve justice and reparations. The government should ensure that victims are duly compensated, and those affected receive the necessary support for recovery.”
Democracy Hub
Meanwhile, Democracy Hub revealed that its team has prepared a preliminary report on the fact-finding mission which is is making available to the public for scrutiny and further analysis.
In light of this, it encouraged all concerned citizens to access the report to gain a deeper understanding of the incidents and recommendations.
“We call on all Ghanaians who value justice and human rights to join us in demanding accountability, reform, and justice for the victims of these abuses. Together, we can build a Ghana that respects the dignity and rights of all its citizens.”
Democracy Hub
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