Ga Dangme Council condemns Ghana Navy over Tema fatal shooting
The Ga Dangme Council has condemned the use of live ammunition by the Ghana Navy during the Kplejoo Festival, which resulted in the deaths of two youths.
The Ga Dangme elders believe the military is supposed to protect and not kill civilians.
According to a press statement signed by the President of the Ga Dangme Council, Joseph Ayikoi Otoo, the military had no right to open fire on the unarmed Tema youth.
“It is the view of the Ga Dangme Council that the use of live ammunition by the military during a traditional festival is a gross violation of human rights and an abuse of power. The military’s role is to complement the police to protect and defend the citizens, not to harm or kill them.”
The statement further opined that the actions of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) during the festival revealed a lack of regard for citizens’ safety.
“The indiscriminate use of live ammunition in a crowded public space demonstrates a lack of restraint and disregard for the safety and well-being of the people.”
The traditional council also stated that the military lacks accountability, hence the recurrence of violent attacks on civilians, citing the situation where two fishermen died during the 2023 Homowo festival.
“Furthermore, the use of excessive force by the military reflects a systemic issue of impunity and lack of accountability within the security forces. The culture of impunity enables such abuses of power to go unchecked and perpetuates a cycle of violence and injustice.”
“It would be recalled that in 2023, two fishermen lost their lives during a customary Homowo festival fishing duly sanctioned by the Tema Traditional Council. The Ghana Navy patrol speedboat allegedly crashed into the canoe without warning, resulting in fatalities.”
“On that occasion, the Tema Traditional Council expressed disappointment and called for better conduct from officers, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation and accountability, but alas, the impunity has repeated itself.”
Consequently, the Ga Dangme Traditional Council is demanding accountability from the Ghana Armed Forces and calling for reforms in the military and security forces.
“The GaDangme Council considers it essential to speak out against such flagrant violations of human rights and demand accountability from the authorities responsible for these actions.”
“Moreover, the tragic deaths of the two youths during the traditional festival highlight the urgent need for reforms in the military and security forces.”
“Proper training, oversight, and accountability mechanisms must be put in place to ensure that such incidents do not occur again in the future. The Navy must be held to a higher standard of conduct and must be held accountable for their actions.”
The council demands that those responsible for the deaths of the two youths be brought to justice.