Dr Vladimir Antwi-Danso
Government yesterday announced the names of persons who would make up a three-member committee tasked to conduct a public enquiry into the disturbances that occurred at Ejura in the Ashanti Region last Tuesday.
The Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, who announced this when he visited Ejura, said the committee would independently probe the disturbances, and make its findings known in 10 days.
“In line with the President’s directive, I have set up a three-member ministerial committee to conduct a public enquiry into the unfortunate occurrences on Tuesday, June 29, 2021,” he said.
Members of the committee are a Court of Appeal Justice, George Kingsley Koomson (Chairman), a security analyst, Dr Vladimir Antwi-Danso, and the Executive Director of Penplusbytes, Juliet Amoah.
Marie Louise Simmons, a principal State Attorney, will serve as secretary to the committee.
Up to task
The Interior Minister is optimistic members of the committee will be up to the task, considering their rich background.
“These individuals are trusted members of society, and we believe that we will meet the deadline given by the President and come out with the appropriate report and recommendations,” Mr Dery added.
The setting up of the committee follows an order from the President to the Interior Minister to conduct a public inquiry into the disturbances at Ejura, and furnish him with a detailed report without 10 days.
NPP youth
Meanwhile, the youth wing of the governing New Patriotic Party has condemned the violence and welcomed the President’s directive for a public Inquiry.
“Again, we add on to the numerous calls on the Police to expedite investigations into the unfortunate death of Kaaka and serve justice to him and the bereaved family by bringing the perpetrators to book,” the wing said in a statement signed by the national youth organiser, Henry Nana Boakye.
Protests
The aggrieved youth were on the streets of Ejura earlier this week to register their displeasure at the alleged murder of Ibrahim Mohammed, aka Kaaka, believed to be a social media activist.
Some videos circulating on social media reveal clashes between the protestors and the security agents, which led to the death of two persons while others, including a security personnel, sustained various degrees of injury.
“We condemn in no uncertain terms the alleged mob attack that led to the untimely death of Kaaka and also the use of disproportionate force by the joint security force against the rampaging youth in Ejura.
“We sincerely sympathize with the families of the deceased and pray that the good Lord comfort and strengthen them in the difficult times they find themselves,” the NPP youth statement said.
While describing the death of the three individuals as “agonizing and regrettable”, the statement appealed to “the youth in Ejura to calm down and tread a path that engenders peace, love and unity to honour the memories of the dead.”
