Minority rejects ministry-led inquiry into the Ejura shooting incident

The Minority in Parliament has rejected what it calls a ministerial inquiry instituted by the President into the Ejura killings.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has instructed 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.

Responding to the Presidential directive in Parliament, the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, insisted that the Minority will only accept a full-scale probe under the auspices of a Commission of Inquiry within the framework of Article 278 of the 1992 Constitution.

“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”, he demanded.

In a statement signed by the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin on Wednesday, June 30, 2021,  the President asked the Minister for the Interior, Hon Ambrose Dery, MP, to provide a detailed report from the Inquiry, with recommendations for appropriate action following the circumstances that led to the unfortunate occurrences of Tuesday, 29th June 2021.”

But the Minority believes the President must accept full responsibility for “reducing this country into a police state.” The caucus lamented what they say has become under the Akufo-Addo government the disrespect for fundamental human rights and freedom, the dignity of man, liberty of citizens, and the constitutionally guaranteed rights to life.

“The excesses of the police and the military in Ejura resulted in the loss of lives of three other persons, adding 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”, Haruna Iddrisu added.

Ibrahim Muhammed, died on Monday, June 28, 2021, after he was attacked by a mob when he was returning home on his motorbike on Sunday at Ejura in the Sekyedumase District of the Ashanti Region.

He’s alleged to have been killed because of his social activism, which some felt was making the government unpopular. The 45-year-old was noted to be vocal on both local and national issues using his Facebook page.

His family says he had faced threats over his activism prior to the attack.

He was rushed to the Ejura Government Hospital and later referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he died at midday on June 28.

Police in the Ashanti Region has since arrested two persons in connection with his death. Ibrahim Muhammed’s death sparked protests in Ejura and outrage online. He was buried on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.

After the burial, some residents of Ejura were protesting in the streets and were confronted by a team of Police and Military personnel, leading to the death of two persons who were shot by some soldiers. The Police claim the protestors had become rowdy and were pelting the security personnel with stones.

“One died on the spot before he was brought to the hospital, so we just confirmed the death. One other died 10 minutes after resuscitation,” Dr Mensah Manye, the Medical Superintendent at Ejura Government Hospital said. Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Police Command has announced that it has commenced investigations into the incident.

Some Ghanaians subsequently mounted pressure on the President to break his silence on the matter.

By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh

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