Accra: The Interior Ministry has ordered a police investigation into the assault of a suspect while in handcuffs and police custody.
According to Ghana News Agency, the ministry directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to determine how civilians accessed the suspect and whether police personnel facilitated or permitted the breach of custody. The directive was issued in a statement by the ministry's Public Affairs and Communications Unit, emphasizing that officers found culpable should face appropriate disciplinary action.
Furthermore, the IGP is tasked with identifying, arresting, and investigating the civilians involved in the assault in accordance with the law. The ministry also instructed the police to scrutinize the conduct of all supervising officers responsible for the custody and supervision of the involved parties, recommending disciplinary action against any officer found culpable.
The ministry's directives come in response to an incident involving the assault of an arrested person in police custody. The statement highlighted concerns that the incident followed inflammatory statements linked to a religious dispute, which included calls for violence against individuals perceived to offend religious sensibilities. The ministry condemned such statements, asserting that there is no justification for inciting violence against any religious group.
The statement further emphasized that no allegation, regardless of its severity, justifies the assault of a suspect in police custody. It stressed the responsibility of the State to protect individuals in custody and expressed serious concern over the circumstances allowing civilian access to the suspect.
Additionally, the Minister instructed the police to handle all arrests related to the incident strictly in accordance with the law, ensuring impartiality. The ministry reiterated its stance against religious incitement, violence, and unlawful assault of individuals in custody, affirming that such actions have no place in Ghana. It also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining public order, safeguarding the rights of individuals in custody, and promoting peaceful coexistence among all citizens.
In related developments, the police have arrested Sibamay Zakaria, 65, who was seen in a viral video assaulting a handcuffed suspect.