Ejura Committee Recommendation: Mere transfer of Police Commander not enough-NDC

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has indicated that it is disgusted at the Recommendations of the three-Member Ministerial Committee tasked to look into the Ejura Disturbance.

The Political Party specifically took a swipe at the committee, relative to its recommendation for the transfer of the District Police Commander of Ejura, DSP Philip Kojo Hammond.

It noted that it was the recklessness of the DSP which provoked the conduct of the disturbance therefore they expected the Committee to have recommended his dismissal rather than a mere transfer.

“it’s an insult to the sensibilities of the affected people and their families. Transferring a Police Officer to another station in the same capacity and rank can never constitute disciplinary action,” he said.

“We in the NDC hold the view that the committee should have recommended a more punitive and deterrent sanction such as demotion or even dismissal of the Ejura District Police Commander,” he added.

Addressing a press conference yesterday, October 5, 2021, the National Communications Officer of the Party, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi further wondered why a mere transfer, which is a normal and routine exercise among the security agencies, can be used as punishment for reckless conduct of a senior officer.

“How on earth can a mere administrative transfer which has been touted as routine exercises of the security agencies, be recommended as punishment for a senior Police Officer whose unprofessional and reckless conduct has caused the death of two Ghanaians and injuries to many?” he noted.

The three-member Ministerial Committee of inquiry set up to investigate the Ejura disturbance, which led to the death of two(2) persons, has recommended the removal of the Chief Executive of the Ejura –Sekyidumase Municipal Assembly, Honourable Mohammed Salisu Bamba, and the immediate transfer of the District Police Commander, DSP Philip Kojo Hammond.

It notes that the MCE, Mohammed Salisu’s presence is likely to worsen the already tense security situation at Ejura.

On the part of DSP Philip Kojo Hammond, the Committee notes that he incompetently handled the Ejura situation, and his relationship with the Ejura community has been damaged beyond repair.

Further to the above, the committee made several recommendations. They include;

• Adequate compensation for the families of the two deceased persons, namely, Abdul Nasir Yusif and Murtala Suraj Mohammed. It indicated that adequate compensation must also be paid to other injured persons, namely, Louis Ayikpa(20years), Awal Misbau(16years), and Nasif Nuhu(30years).
• Moreover, the Committee’s Report recommends the structural expansion of the Police Station at Ejura and increase the Police Personnel.
• Additionally, it recommended to the Military Establishment to review the actions of the section on the ground led by Lieutenant Martin Opoku Adusei for the inappropriate use of force and apply sanctions appropriately.
• The Report also recommends the training of REGSEC, MUSEC, and DISEC officials in the Ashanti Region in conflict and crises Management at least once a year.
• In addition to the above, the report is calling for the development of a joint Standard Operative Procedure for Military/Police operations, including roles for indispensable allied agencies like the National Investigations Bureau, NADMO, Ghana National Fire Service, National Ambulance Service, etc.
• Moreover, the NCCE has been asked to intensify Public education in relation to the rights, obligations, and civic responsibilities of the people of Ejura.
• Also, the Reports recommends crowd/riot and crises control units should be made to wear bodycams, and all vehicles and mobile gadgets employed must also have cameras.
• Furthermore, the Committee has recommended the establishment of Sports and other Recreational Facilities in Ejura under the Zongo Development Fund, to re-channel energies of the youth.

In conclusion, the Report notes that the death of Mohammed Ibrahim aka “Kaaka” and the mishandling of the same, triggered the riots however the situation was worsened by the maximum application of force.

It, therefore, hoped that the ongoing investigations into “Kaaka’s” death would be expedited and the culprit(s) sanctioned.