Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin, has directed the Interior Minister, Henry Quartey, to urgently investigate and report back to Parliament on the circumstances leading to the alleged brutality by immigration officers on a woman in the Ketu South Constituency of the Volta Region, as reported by their Member of Parliament, Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie.
The directive comes amidst growing concerns over the conduct of immigration officers in the area. The Speaker emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to ensure justice and maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.
According to a report from a source allegedly representing the immigration officers, the incident occurred due to complications arising from the use of unapproved routes by okada riders in Aflao. These routes are notorious for incidents where travelers are robbed and pushed into Togo.
On this occasion, a traveler reported the criminal activities to the officers on duty. When the officers attempted to arrest an okada rider involved in these activities, a confrontation ensued. A woman, identified as the wife of the okada rider, reportedly returned home to fetch a cutlass and attacked the officers, injuring one of them. In the process of disarming her, an officer’s weapon misfired. A patrol team was later called in, and the arrest was successfully carried out.
The conflicting accounts from Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie and the immigration officers highlight the complexity of the incident. The Speaker’s directive seeks to clarify the events and ensure appropriate actions are taken based on the findings of the investigation.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by border security and the urgent need for improved measures to safeguard travelers while maintaining order and justice. The Interior Minister’s investigation will be closely watched by all stakeholders as they await a comprehensive report.
