The Ghana Police Service has cautioned the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong for allegedly obstructing an officer from undertaking his lawful duty.
The warning was contained in a statement issued by the service on the back of a viral video that showed the legislator gesturing angrily and aggressively towards a police officer at the University of Education, Winneba on Thursday.
[contextly_sidebar id=”nV9E2gqJO7ZM5oGkYdWPcp8SUzt4ruBT”]In the video, the MP was seen pointing a finger at an officer.
The video has attracted several comments on social media with many calling for the Member of Parliament to be called to order and even arrested over his conduct.
But the police in a statement a day after the incident indicated that Kennedy Agyapong does not have “the authority to cause the dismissal of a Police Officer without lawful justification and due process.”
The police explained in the statement that, its attention was drawn to the fact that Kennedy Agyapong was seen and heard intimidating a police officer during the student demonstration on the North campus of the University of Education, Winneba.
The Police said the incident has been corroborated by an eyewitness who confirmed that Kennedy Agyapong “in an aggressive mood” told a serving officer that he will make sure that he is dismissed for unknown reasons.
“The Police Administration has also taken note of the fact that the Central Regional Police Commander who was at the spot instantly told Kennedy Agyapong he had no powers to dismiss any Police Officer performing his or her lawful duties,” the statement noted.
The Assin Central MP was reportedly at the school as part of a delegation to try and appeal to factions that were protesting on the school’s campus on that day.
A demonstration was being held by students of the school to demand the dismissal of the school’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Afful Broni and reinstatement of some sacked lecturers.
The protest, however, turned violent, leading to the pelting of stones by students and firing of tear gas by the police.
The MP in an attempt to address the situation, reportedly, challenged the authority of the police in dealing with the matter.
“The Police Administration, therefore, wishes to affirm the stance of the Central Regional Police Commander, that, nobody wields that authority to cause the dismissal of a Police Officer without lawful justification and due process,” the police added in the statement.
“The Police Administration, therefore, takes strong exception to the behaviour of Mr. Kennedy Agyapong who is a Member of Parliament and advises him to be mindful of his actions towards Police Officers whilst performing their lawful duties,” it added.
The police further said it will continue to defend and protect its officers provided their actions are within the confines of the law.
“Meanwhile, the Police Administration wishes to once again assure all Police Officers that it will stand by them at all times provided their conduct is professional and lawful.”
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By: Jonas Nyabor | citinewsroom.com | Ghana
