The Member of Parliament for Asawase constituency, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak is calling for an independent investigation into the killing of seven (7) young men of his constituency by the police.
According to him, the claims by the Police that the young men were armed robbers has been strongly disputed by families of some of the deceased persons.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Asawase MP said the various contradictory accounts call for a thorough investigation into the matter.
He called on the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who is the Chairman of the Police Council among other stakeholders to constitute the independent committee to look into the matter.
“The police must come clearer, because their shoot to kill approach to handling issues is unacceptable and affecting many people who are considered innocent,” he said.
Recounting recent incidents of police killings of innocent citizens, Muntaka said many families are yet to come to terms with their losses under such circumstances and there is the need for the police to do better.
While calling on the youth in the constituency to remain calm, he urged authorities to act swiftly in looking into the matter and ensuring that justice is served.
Read his statement below:
18th July, 2018.
PRESS RELEASE
THE POLICE MUST COME CLEARER; THE SHOOT TO KILL APPROACH IS BECOMING UNACCEPTABLE
I received the news of the painful demise of seven (7) youngmen from my constituency, who have been confirmed shot and dead by the police yesterday, with absolute dismay and pain.
I wish to first of all register my deepest condolences to friends and families of all the seven (7) persons shot by the police. I further assured them of my full support to ensure that thorough investigation is carried out and the perpetrators of this act, if established, are brought to book.
Since the occurrence of the incident last night, I have interacted with sections of my constituents and some family members of the deceased persons. The information I have garnered so far, frankly, are not adding-up as to the real cause of this shooting. This raises a lot of question for me as their MP, the community and Ghanaians at large.
I hereby call on the Vice President (Chairman of the Police Council), the Minister for National Security, the Interior Minister and the Attorney General to constitute an independent committee to investigate the case and present the reality of what led to the sudden shooting of the young men in our quest to getting justice delivered to them and their families; a call that should not be undermined.
The police must come clearer, because their shoot to kill approach to handling issues is unacceptable and affecting many people who are considered innocent.
In recent times, there have been several of such cases that affected families who are yet to come to terms with their losses; I know very well that the police can do better than they are doing now.
As I call on the authorities to investigate the matter, I hereby appeal to the residents of Asawase especially the youth to remain calm and peaceful as we follow the due process to demand justice for our brothers who have lost their lives. I appeal to all to refrain from any action that has the tendency of escalating the existing tension in the community.
I assure you that I will leave no stone unturned in demanding justice for our lost brothers.
I pray for Allah’s mercy for our brothers.
Thank you.
Signed
Hon. Muntaka M. Mubarak
(MP for Asawase).
–
By: Jonas Nyabor/citinewsroom.com/Ghana
