The Centre for Democracy and socio-Economic Development, (CDS) Africa, Has condemned the brutalities meted out to some residents of Ashaiman by some military officers at Ashaiman this week.
A statement signed by Edna Asante, Assistant Programs Officer at CDS-Africa condemned the act and called for a full scale investigations into the issue
READ FULL STATEMENT
On Saturday, March 4th, 2023, Imoro Sheriff, a soldier from the 3rd Battalion Infantry in Sunyani, was brutally stabbed by unknown assailants at Tafia, a suburb of Ashaiman. The murder of the young soldier is crude, inhumane, and animalistic, and CDS Africa mourns with the family who has had to deal more directly with this gruesome murder of their son, the soldier. Painful.
However, the response by some military personnel in the form of attacks on residents of Tafia and the whole of the Ashaiman community is undemocratic. The use of force against innocent civilians is a violation of their fundamental human rights and ought to be condemned. The leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces must call its men to order and ensure those responsible for the attacks on civilians are brought to book as soon as practicable.
It is essential to recognize the importance of upholding the rule of law and due process, especially in a democratic country like Ghana. Violence is not a substitute for anything, in a democracy.
The violence perpetrated on the residents of Ashaiman has far-reaching consequences for our democracy and peace. For instance, it may deteriorate relations with the security agencies, unduly delay and make the investigative work of the Police even harder because residents may become withdrawn or refuse to cooperate with investigators to identify and arrest the actual criminals who murdered Imoro Sheriff in cold blood.
Therefore, we call on all to exercise restraint and observe the law. The rule of law is the way of democracy, and the Military must comply with the law. The Ministry of Defense must ensure that the Ghana Armed forces reflect the democratic values of Ghana.
