The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior, tasked with investigating the mayhem unleashed on residents of Ashaiman on May 7, 2023, has submitted its report, outlining recommendations that include sanctions for the military personnel involved in the dawn raid.
The committee’s report, presented to Parliament, highlighted that the actions of the military personnel during the operation in Ashaiman contravened Section 32 of the Ghana Armed Forces Act, 1962 (Act 105).
The report thus recommended that the soldiers responsible for the excesses associated with the operation be identified and dealt with in accordance with the stipulations of Section 32.
“Section 32 of the Ghana Armed Forces Act, 1962 (Act 105) reads: Every person in the Armed Forces, who behaves in a cruel or disgraceful manner shall be guilty of an offence and on conviction liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to any less punishment provided by this Act”
Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Interior Report
The committee in its report further emphasized the need for accountability and adherence to the law in dealing with the military personnel involved in the Ashaiman incident.
The report underscored the importance of upholding the standards set out in the Armed Forces Act to prevent such excesses in the future.
Furthermore, the committee’s report recommended greater collaboration among various security services, urging the National Security Council to ensure coordination and collaboration between the Armed Forces and the Police Service in the execution of their functions and duties.
The report highlighted the importance of internal security investigations being the preserve of the Ghana Police Service.
“The Police Service must in all instances be the lead agency in internal security operations. The effective coordination of intelligence must be promoted at the National Security Council level to prevent the reoccurrence of such excesses”.
Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Interior Report
Committee Recommends Compensation For Ashaiman Residents Brutalized by Military
Moreover, the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior recommended compensation for residents of Ashaiman who were brutalized by the military in March 2023, following the death of a soldier in the area.
In the report, the committee highlighted that, based on the evidence presented and the legal framework surrounding the event, individuals who suffered various degrees of injury during the military operation in Ashaiman should be promptly and adequately compensated by the state.
The compensation, as recommended by the committee, should also cover those whose properties were destroyed in the course of the military swoop as well.
In addition, the committee in its report unequivocally condemned the use of excessive force against civilians, expressing a strong aversion to any form of torturous handling of civilians by the military and other security agencies. The recommendations reflect a commitment to justice and accountability for the affected residents of Ashaiman.
The Committee in its report also urged the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces to take proactive steps in educating personnel on the legal demands and consequences of such acts.
The call for compensation according to the Committee aligns with the principles of justice and reparations for victims of undue force, while the plea for education seeks to ensure that security forces are aware of the legal and ethical boundaries in their interactions with civilians.
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