Minister for the Interior, Hon. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take immediate and uncompromising action against those involved in the violent disturbances that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary by-election.
Speaking at the inaugural edition of the Government Accountability Series, the Minister said, “I have instructed the IGP to investigate thoroughly. My plea is that when they invite you, please go and make all your facts available so they can determine what exactly happened and who is responsible.”
He condemned the violence, stressing that “The government will not shield any political group, regardless of affiliation, that engages in vigilante or criminal behaviour.”
Masked men, reportedly affiliated with political factions, stormed polling stations on motorbikes and in pickups, assaulting voters and journalists and disrupting the electoral process.
The Minister referenced the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), warning that “any group or individual found culpable will face the full rigor of the law.”
Hon. Muntaka described the events as a “wake-up call for our security agencies, assuring that preparations for the upcoming Akwatia by-election will prioritize security to prevent a recurrence.
“We will use Ablekuma North as a case study to review our operations for Akwatia to ensure citizens can vote freely and express their will without fear.”
He further outlined security sector reforms, saying “We are changing how we recruit into the security services not just those who can march or speak English, but also people with vocational skills who can support the services’ technical and support needs.”
Touching on street begging, the Minister disclosed that “In collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and the Ghana Immigration Service, we have cleared over 2,200 street beggars and repatriated them to their home countries.”
On prison reforms and contributions to the 24-hour economy policy, he revealed that Ghana’s prisons will now produce 20% of sanitary pads and 30% of school uniforms and desks for basic schools.”
Finally, the Minister announced plans for an Independent Police Complaints Commission, noting that “Next month, we will start work on the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which will operate independently of the police administration to ensure accountability and restore public trust.”
He concluded by assuring the public that those responsible for the Ablekuma North violence will be brought to justice, emphasizing that “All perpetrators, those who instigated or contributed to any part of this violence, will face the law.”
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