Private legal practitioner Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah has raised concerns about the growing reluctance among citizens to assist the police, blaming the situation on cases where people who honour invitations from law enforcement agencies are subsequently arrested.
According to him, the practice has created uncertainty around police invitations, leaving some individuals fearful that voluntarily reporting to investigators could result in their detention.
Speaking during an interview today, Sunday, October 4, Mr Twumasi Ankrah, who is also the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), said the development could undermine efforts by law enforcement agencies to gather information.
He explained that an invitation is normally an important investigative tool, particularly at a stage when investigators have not determined whether a person is a suspect or simply someone who may have useful information.
An individual, he noted, could be invited to provide documents, clarify certain issues or assist investigators with information relating to a case involving another person.
However, Mr Twumasi Ankrah said repeated instances where such invitations end in arrests have created fear among members of the public.
He argued that some people now prefer to wait until the police formally arrest them rather than voluntarily responding to an invitation.
This, he said, reflects growing concerns about personal liberty and whether individuals who cooperate with investigators will be allowed to return home after answering questions.
“There is this genuine fear as to whether it is imminent or remote, that when they go, there is a likelihood they won’t come back home,” he said.
He therefore urged the police and other investigative bodies to address the concerns and restore confidence in the invitation process.
Mr Twumasi Ankrah also advised citizens who receive invitations from law enforcement agencies to consider attending with legal representation.
He said having a lawyer present could help protect their rights, particularly if their status changes from a person assisting an investigation to a suspect.
