In the situation of rising tension between the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Force in the Northern Region, Parliament has summoned the Honourable Defence Minister, Mr. Dominic Nitiwul and the Honourable Interior Minister, Mr. Ambrose Derry for further explanations on the incident that occurred in Tamale.
This decision was taken on the floor of Parliament when the Minority Leader and the Member of Parliament for Tamale South constituency, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu stated that there is a growing insecurity in Tamale arising out of some violent attacks between members of the military and of the police service. He further indicated that this can compromise the security of the nation and if not addressed immediately, can cause insurgency in the country.
The Deputy Majority Leader and the Honourable Member of Parliament for the Dome-Kwabenya constituency, Madam Adwoa Sarfo also stated that the security of the nation is very important and it will be prudent if the ministers in charge of Defence and the Interior are summoned before the House on the security status of the region.
The speaker of Parliament, Rt. Rev. Professor Micheal Aaron Ocquaye therefore put before the House that the two substantive ministers must appear on the floor of Parliament on 22nd May, 2018 for security briefing on the situation at Tamale.
BACKGROUND
The incident occurred on Wednesday, 16th May, 2018, following an attempt by a military officer who was in police custody on a charge of assault attempted to escape.
The military officer took to his heels and other military officers prevented the police from re-arresting him, resulting in a free-for-all fight. The military men were said to have driven in military patrol vehicles whose numbers had been covered to avoid being traced.
There was “indiscriminate firing” from both sides in the middle of the streets. It was not only an exchange of gunfire. They also traded blows, whips and left scores injured with the police worst affected. A police officer suffered severe head injuries with his blue uniform draped in blood.
The incident left the policemen angry with threats of reprisals. A number of them had cocked their guns at the barracks and were threatening to retaliate. The incident which was the second in two months almost dashed any hope for a better relationship between the two security groups.
Source: GhanaJustice/S.Ayisi
