News

Gbi Traditional Authority Calls for Commission of Inquiry into Police Brutality

Location: Hohoe, Ghana

The Gbi Traditional Authority, located in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana, has issued a call to the government for the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate alleged incidents of police brutality in the region.

Local chiefs and residents claim that instead of protecting lives and property, the police have engaged in harassment, violence, and even killings of indigenous people while destroying property.

Paramount Chief of Gbi, Torgbegah Gabusu VII, expressed deep concern over the trend of police brutality in the area and urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to set up an independent commission of inquiry.

During a press conference held at the Gbi palace, Torgbe Keh XIII, Divisional Chief of Gbi Wegbe, read a statement on behalf of Torgbegah Gabusu VII. The statement called for the findings of the inquiry to be made available to the Gbi state within 90 days of the press conference.

Torgbegah Gabusu VII emphasized that while the Ghana Police Service is entrusted with protecting life, property, and ensuring peace and security in the country, these mandates have been compromised in the Gbi Traditional Area.

He cited incidents of police brutality, including harassment, false arrests, intimidation, assault, mayhem, and murder.

The paramount chief lamented that past killings and brutalities by the police in the Gbi Traditional Area have not been properly investigated, and the perpetrators have not faced prosecution or punishment for their actions.

He described specific incidents, including a police vehicle knocking a motorbike rider into a gutter, resulting in severe injuries, and an incident where two individuals were killed, a motorbike rider severely injured, and two teenagers hit by stray bullets.

Torgbegah Gabusu VII argued that swift action, including the establishment of a commission of inquiry, would help curtail the excessive use of lethal force and unprofessional conduct by the police in the Gbi State.

He urged the government to act swiftly, emphasizing that it would demonstrate empathy towards the people of Gbi.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Hohoe, Noble Daniel Awume, received the petition and assured the public that the government would make every effort to address the issue promptly.

He called on the public to remain calm while the issue is under investigation.

This call for a commission of inquiry comes in the wake of a violent clash between police officers and civilians in Gordenu, a farming community in Hohoe, where two people lost their lives, and others sustained severe injuries.

The incident was reportedly triggered by a “violent disturbance” between aggrieved youth and police officers.

The Gbi Traditional Authority’s request for an independent inquiry aims to address ongoing concerns related to police conduct and brutality in the region and seek justice for affected individuals and their families.

The call reflects broader efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in policing and law enforcement in Ghana.