Martin Amidu has accused the leadership of the security agencies of failing to account for the mass arrests and alleged brutalities carried out during the November 12 dawn operations in the Ahafo, Ashanti and Volta Regions.
Amidu said Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno was unable to clearly state the number of civilians arrested during the nationwide swoop.
According to him, the figures provided by the IGP during a media briefing were inconsistent and raised concerns about operational accountability.
“He told the media that Ahafo Region recorded between 400 and 470 arrests; Ashanti between 300 and 400; and Volta 162,” Amidu stated in opinion post.
He said the numbers meant that “between 862 and 1,032 citizens” were subjected to arrest and alleged assault, yet the IGP did not have confirmed situation reports from his regional commanders.
Amidu described the operation as an unlawful infringement on fundamental rights. He argued that the arrests were executed under the command of the National Security Coordinator, who he said had “no authority under the 1992 Constitution for domestic law enforcement.”
He said only a fraction of those arrested had been arraigned.
“The online media has reported that just over 300 of the persons brutalized and arrested have been screened and remanded,” he wrote, questioning what would happen to the 500 to 700 others who were detained but allegedly found to have no link to any offence.
Amidu challenged the government to provide remedies. “How is the President going to restore the dignity of the innocent citizens who were brutalized, arrested and screened only to find no evidence implicating them?” he asked.
