The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer, Former President John Dramani Mahama, has strongly condemned the detention of the party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Awutu Senya East Constituency, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor by the Ghana Police Service for an allegation of unlawful possession of a gun.
Mr Mahama vehemently criticized the actions of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Dampare, and the National Security Advisor, Albert Kan Dapaah, for ordering the candidate’s detention, calling it an unjustifiable decision that threatens to escalate political tensions ahead of the 2024 national elections.
“There is no justification for the decision by the Inspector General of Police Dr George Akuffo- Dampare, on the orders of the National Security Advisor, Albert Kan Dapaah, to detain a Parliamentary Candidate for the Awutu Senya East Constituency in Police custody”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, National Democratic Congress Flagbearer
The National Democratic Congress flagbearer for the 2024 general elections argued that the intervention by the National Security Secretariat, leading to the detention of the party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Awutu Senya East Constituency represents a misuse of police power.
He emphasized that such actions could undermine the peace and stability of the nation during a crucial election period, highlighting the importance for the Ghana Police Service to eschew any conduct that could jeopardize the peace and stability of the country.
The Role of Justice in Maintaining National Stability
Furthermore, former President John Dramani Mahama urged the Ghana Police Service, particularly the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo-Dampare to resist being manipulated for political purposes, highlighting the essential role of justice in maintaining national stability.
Mr Mahama’s statement outlined his concerns about the detention, noting that the party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Awutu Senya East Constituency, Naa Koryoo was held by the police even after being granted bail, describing it as a deliberate attempt to intimidate her.
He posited that this move aims to undermine her campaign against the New Patriotic Party incumbent Member of Parliament for the Awutu Senya East Constituency and current Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hawa Koomson ahead of the December 7 polls.
“The intention to detain her after she had already been granted bail is an attempt to intimidate the NDC Parliamentary candidate in her quest to unseat the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hawa Koomson”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, National Democratic Congress Flagbearer
The leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress thus emphasized the immediate release of the party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Awutu Senya East Constituency, urging the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo-Dampare to reconsider the decision for the sake of justice and national stability.
In addition, former President John Dramani Mahama also called on various stakeholders, including the Peace Council, the government, and the people of Ghana, to recognize the importance of justice in preserving peace.
He stressed that the police service should not be used to stifle opposition and intimidate political opponents, asserting that the duty of the police is to serve and protect all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
“We cannot allow the police service to be used to stifle opposition and intimidate innocent Ghanaians and political opponents in the run-up to the 2024 elections”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, National Democratic Congress Flagbearer
Mr Mahama emphasized that maintaining a fair and just political environment is crucial for the health of the country’s democracy.
Reechoing Mr Mahama’s call, the National Communications Officer of the opposition party, Sammy Gyamfi Esq. vehemently criticized what he described as the arbitrary and unlawful detention of the party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Awutu Senya East Constituency, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor.
He argued that the offence of Mrs Okunor in which she has been detained by the Ghana Police is simply because a weapon (gun) was found in her car, adding that the said weapon is registered in her name.
Mr Gyamfi further emphasized that Mrs Okunor has in addition submitted all the necessary registration documents regarding the gun to the Ghana Police Service, hence there is no need for her arrest and subsequent detention.
“Unlike, Hawa Koomson who in 2020 actually fired a gun at a registration centre, Naa Koryoo has not fired any gun or weapon. Yet, the …Police service is hell-bent on detaining her”.
Sammy Gyamfi Esq. National Communications Officer, NDC
This incident highlights the ongoing political tensions in Ghana as the country prepares for the 2024 elections.
