Police interdicts four officers for assaulting Tamale residents
The Ghana Police Service has interdicted four cops attached to the Northern Regional Command over the alleged assault of residents for engaging in illegal electricity connections in some Tamale communities.
Describing the conduct of the four officers as “unprofessional,” the police said the culprits will face a service inquiry, subject to the regulations of the law enforcement agency.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 21, the service said, “processes have commenced identifying the victims for the necessary medical assessments and assistance”.
The Ghana Police Service apologised unconditionally to the victims and the public for the conduct of their personnel.
The officers were assigned to assist the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and the Volta River Authority (VRA) to arrest people engaging in illegal electricity connections.
But in a video circulating on social media, the officers were seen whipping some residents and breaking into rooms in areas including Zujung, Lamashegu and Nakpan Zou.
Narrating his ordeal, a victim who spoke to the media on the condition of anonymity said he was lashed by the police after they accused him of attempting to make a call to someone over the issue.
Commenting on the matter, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), NEDCo, Maxwell Kotoka, said the company had commenced investigations into the incident, which occurred on Monday.
He indicated that the company was concerned about the incident and will assist the police with the necessary actions against officers found guilty.
Meanwhile, officials of NEDCo are worried about illegal connections in the region, indicating that the situation has affected operations.
In addition, NEDCo also raised concerns about meter theft in the region.
Residents who witnessed the incident have described it as unfortunate and called on the Inspector-General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare, to institute actions against the officers.
They have also called on human rights organisations to condemn the act, explaining that even if the culprits were guilty, they should have been subjected to the law.
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