The Ghana Bar Association says it is regrettable that a Minister of State and Member of Parliament is involved in the confusion and mayhem that was seen at a registration centre in the Central Region during the ongoing voter registration exercise.
According to the Association, that incident, as well as the killing of one person at Banda-Ahenkro in the Bono Region in connection with the registration exercise, are lawless and “totally unacceptable.”
“The GBA finds as disturbing and totally unacceptable the events that occurred at the Banda-Ahenkro in the Bono Region and the Awutu Senya East Constituency in the Central Region.”
“The Ghana Bar Association finds these incidents very unfortunate and we hereby condemn unreservedly the actions of the perpetrators which have resulted in the untimely death of one person, attacks on officials of the Electoral Commission, mayhem and confusion. Their actions are lawless and totally unacceptable. It is regrettable that the suspects in one instance include a Minister who is also a lawmaker,” the Association said.
Mavis Hawa Koomson who is also the Minister for Special Development Initiatives admitted on Monday to firing the gunshots, claiming that it was in self-defence when confusion broke at the centre.
Her action has received widespread criticisms from the public with some people calling for her resignation and prosecution, although some members of her party have said such calls are unnecessary.
Her action, as well as the violent clashes that led to the death of one person at Banda Ahenkro, joins the many pockets of confusion that has characterized the ongoing voter registration exercise.
The Ghana Bar Association says it is hopeful that the incidents will be duly investigated and all offenders swiftly arrested and prosecuted.
“We trust that the investigations into all acts of violence at registration centres will thorough, speedy and will result in the swift arrest and due prosecution of the offenders and irrespective of status.”
The association also called on the police to execute their mandate strictly to ensure that Ghanaians go about their civic duty without fear.
Click here to read GBA’s full statement:
