Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Member of Parliament for the Wa East Constituency in the Upper West Region, has expressed strong condemnation and disgust over the invasion and brutalization of innocent community members in Goripie and Manwe by military personnel on January 25, 2024.
The Wa East Member of Parliament raised concerns about the use of excessive force and property seizure under the guise of addressing illegal mining activities in the Goripie and Manwe communities.
In a press release issued from his office on Friday, January 26 2024, Dr. Jasaw highlighted that the peaceful communities of Goripie and Manwe were subjected to unwarranted military actions, raising questions about the soldiers’ approach in, targeting innocent civilians instead of addressing the alleged illegal mining sites directly.
He questioned the rationale behind seizing motorbikes belonging to community members by military personnel while mining sites remained untouched.
“I vehemently denounce the use of such needless excessive force on innocent civilians and the seizure of property belonging to the community members,”
Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw
Dr Jasaw further expressed concern about the reported pattern where properties were seized, and in some cases, money exchanged hands for their release.
Such actions, he emphasized, not only violated the rights of individuals but eroded trust between the military and the civilian population.
MP Calls for Investigation and Accountability
Furthermore, the Wa East Member of Parliament called for a thorough investigation into the incident and urged the affected communities to exercise maximum restraint while engaging with security authorities to seek justice.
Dr. Jasaw underscored the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of individuals and ensuring that actions taken by security forces align with the law.
Expressing disappointment, Dr Jasaw noted that both the regional minister and the District Chief Executive (DCE) claimed innocence about the incident.
He questioned who was in charge of the security of the people and pledged to monitor closely the next steps taken by the regional authorities in addressing the matter.
In addition, Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw called on the Minister for Justice and the Minister of Defense to take a keen interest in the incident, emphasizing that the situation had shifted from brutality at mining sites to the brutality of innocent community members and the needless seizure of their hard-earned property.
Dr. Jasaw concluded the press release by reaffirming his commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of all constituents, pledging to work towards peaceful and collaborative solutions to societal challenges.
“We stand in solidarity with the affected communities and commit to advocating for justice and accountability in this matter”
Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw
The Member of Parliament called for a thorough investigation into the incident and the immediate return of all seized property, stressing that citizens should be treated with respect and dignity in alignment with the principles of a civilized society.
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