SIMCEL ONLINE

In a press statement released on November 26th, 2023, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Oti Region expressed deep concern and condemnation over the alleged misconduct and unlawful killings by National Security Operatives in Akan Constituency. The statement accuses the operatives of being responsible for the tragic deaths of two individuals, Peter Agbla and Alhassan Inusah.

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Summary of Allegations:

1. Incident Details: According to the NDC, the incident occurred when National Security Operatives, purportedly appointed by the Akuffo Addo/Bawumia government, engaged in a high-speed pursuit of alleged cocoa smugglers. The pursuit, described as unprofessional, resulted in a head-on collision with a motorbike, causing the instant deaths of Peter Agbla and Alhassan Inusah.
2. Government’s Misuse of National Security: The NDC accuses the Akuffo Addo/Bawumia administration of consistently using National Security to intimidate and cause mayhem, citing a record of alleged extrajudicial killings and a lack of accountability.
3. Call for Urgent Action: The NDC calls for immediate action to address the perceived lawlessness within the National Security apparatus. The party demands the arrest and prosecution of the operatives involved in the killings, the removal of said operatives from Akan District, and an investigation into the overall conduct of National Security in the Oti Region.
4. Border Security Concerns: The NDC suggests that the incident might have been avoided if National Security Operatives were stationed at the border to address the smuggling of cocoa. It argues that the unattractive cocoa producer price offered by the government through COCOBOD has led to illicit activities, and calls for a focus on the real smugglers rather than innocent constituents.

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Party’s Position:

The National Democratic Congress in the Oti Region strongly condemns the alleged criminal act, describing it as absurd and barbaric. The party emphasizes its support for the Member of Parliament’s statement and insists on justice for the victims. The NDC warns of potential youth agitation and calls for urgent action from the National Security Minister to prevent further escalation.

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Conclusion:

The press statement issued by the NDC raises serious concerns about the conduct of National Security Operatives in the Akan Constituency, highlighting the need for accountability and justice. The allegations, if proven true, underscore the importance of ensuring the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ lives and rights.

Below is the full statement released by the Communication Officers.

Press Statement

For immediate release

26th November, 2023.

THE ACTIVITY OF NATIONAL SECURITY OPERATIVES IN THE AKAN CONSTITUENCY IS CLAIMING THE LIVES OF INNOCENT GHANAIANS IN THE CONSTITUENCY.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Oti Region has learned with disgust and shock how the operation of the National Security Operatives stationed in Akan Constituency has claimed two lives. This sad development was orchestrated by National Security Operatives who are appointees of the Akuffo Addo/ Bawumia government.

The Akuffo Addo/ Bawumia administration has always used National Security to intimidate and cause mayhem. Their records of killing innocent Ghanaians are still fresh in our minds.

The lawlessness in National Security is one too many and has existed for a long time.

The impunity within the National Security is unimaginable and something urgent should be done to safeguard the lives and properties of all Ghanaians.

The incident which happened yesterday and claimed two lives could have been avoided if the so-called National Security Operatives had been stationed at the Border to check those who smuggle Cocoa to the Neighbouring country due to the unattractive cocoa producer price offered by the Nana Akuffo Addo/ Bawumia government through the COCOBOD.

This sad news came about because of the unprofessional execution of their duty as National Security Operatives

The chasing of alleged cocoa smugglers in a taxi by the National Security operatives on the highway without a headlight on and at top speed resulted in a head Collision with a motorbike that resulted in the instant death of Peter Agbla and Alhassan Inusah.

Arresting people who are about 15km away from the border with an allegation of Cocoa smuggling can only be a deliberate act to intimidate and cause fear and panic in the Constituency. The so-called National Security Operatives should have been aware that, a CMB company always buys cocoa from farmers in town on a small scale and such activities of buying in the District must not warrant the killing and arrest of innocent Constituents.

This criminal act is absurd, and barbaric and must be condemned vehemently.

A similar incident happened somewhere last week where the so-called National Security Operatives arrested a member of the Constituency with suspicion of smuggling Cocoa. The suspect was shot in the thigh by the same National Security Operatives.

The National Security Operatives should be stationed at the borders so that they can justifiably arrest the real smugglers who are exporting Cocoa to the neighboring Countries.

The National Democratic Congress in the Oti Region supports the statement issued by the Member of Parliament and demands the following from the National Security;

a) arrest and prosecution of the killers of the two persons

b) removal of the said national security operatives from Akan District and any other District or Municipal in the Region

If the National Security Minister refuses to act on this with urgency, subsequent agitations by the youth in the Constituency for revenge in equal measure cannot be contained and it would be disastrous.

The killing of harmless and proud citizens of Ghana by state security agencies in uniform is becoming a norm under the current regime led by Akuffo Addo and Bawumia. We are yet to see prosecution of “security officers” who caused mayhem in Ayawaso West Wuogon, Techiman, Ejura, Odododiodio and many other places despite a white paper issued on some of these heinous incidents and it seems the perpetrators are rather pampered instead of applying sanctions against them.

We won’t allow the current happening in Akan Constituency to be swept under the carpet as done in similar situations. Justice must be served to avoid any such incidents in the future.

Signed
Mobarak Diplomatic
Reg. Comm Officer
Oti Region
0248690371