The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) in the Upper East Region has condemned alleged extrajudicial killings linked to Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team, popularly known as the “Black Maria”.
The Association alleged that the unit has been involved in the killing of individuals arrested on suspicion of engaging in criminal activities, describing the reported incidents as a violation of the rule of law.
Speaking at the 44th Anniversary Remembrance Service for the three murdered High Court judges on Friday, July 3, the President of the Upper East Regional branch of the Ghana Bar Association, Anthony Namoo, stressed that every suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty and is entitled to a fair trial before a competent court.
He described the alleged abductions and killings of suspects as unlawful and inconsistent with Ghana’s democratic values and constitutional order, emphasising that no individual or institution has the authority to deprive a suspect of life without due process of law.
He expressed concern over reports that individuals are being picked up under the pretext of being transported to Accra, only for them to be killed en route, and called on the Inspector-General of Police to take firm control of the situation to ensure suspects are afforded due process.
