GBA On Insecurity In Ghana

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has vehemently reacted to the overwhelming security violence against Innocent citizens in the country.

This was stated in a press statement issued and signed by Mr. Anthony Forson Jnr, National President of GBA.

According to GBA, under no circumstances should any operatives of the Security Agencies under the pretext of maintaining peace, manhandle and assault people or using any physical force which sometimes results in the death of the victims.

“The rule of the law must prevail at all times in our dear country”.

The following is the full press statement by the GBA:

STATEMENT BY THE GHANA BAR ASSOCIATION ON ACTS OF VIOLENCE PERPETRATED BY SECURITY AGENCIES

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has noted with increasing concern and trepidation acts of violence that have been carried out by some Security Agencies recently. The GBA has noted with great disquiet the following incidents among others:

The violence unleashed by security operatives in the Techiman South Constituency during the 2020 elections, which resulted In the death of two people while several others sustained injuries;

The use of firearms in the Ablekuma Central Constituency by a National Security operative and an unidentified soldier resulting in death and physical injuries in the course of the 2020 elections;

The conduct of personnel of the Ministry of National Security with respect to journalists of City FM / City on 11 th May 2021. In that regard, the manner and mode of arrest employed by the said personnel was objectionable and unacceptable;

[he death of two persons and injuries suffered by others followlng

clashes between residents of Ejura and security personnel on 29th June 2021; and

Armed military personnel molesting and brutalising residents on the streets of Wa on 1 st July 2021.

Undeniably the behaviour of the military’ personnel in Wa on the 1 st of July, was extremely unprofessional, offensive and reprehensible.
In the instances stated above, the conduct of the personnel of the Security Agencies was cruel and unacceptable.

Security Agencies must be professional in the discharge of their duties. Under no circumstances should they have subjected people to such brutalities.

Their actions culminated in the loss of lives and also caused injuries to others and we hereby condemn unreservedly these unfortunate events.

The GBA has by its statements issued in the past, condemned persons who attack people regardless of the cause and [he Bar hereby restates its condemnation issued on 29th June 2018, 21st July 2018, 27th October 2018 , and 4th February 2019 respectively.

We have taken note of the various statements issued by the relevant Security Agencies and the investigations that are in progress. We trust the investigations will be thorough, swift and fair and those found culpable will be duly punished.

Under no circumstances should operatives of the Security Aqencies under the pretext of maintaining peace, manhandle and assault people or use physical force which sometimes results in the death of the viclirns.

The rule or law rnusl prevail dl all lilnes in our dear county.

DATED AT ACCRA THIS 8TH DAY OF JULY 2021.

ANTHONY FORSON, JNR.NATIONAL PRESIDENT

YAW ACHEAMPONG BOAFO
NATIONAL SECRETARY.