The Minority in Parliament is demanding the immediate dismissal of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), James Oppong Boanuh, for not ensuring the safety of Ghanaians during the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections.
According to the Ranking Member on Defence and Interior, James Agalga, the IGP, and other security agencies reneged on their promise to Parliament and Ghanaians to protect lives.
At least six persons lost their lives due to violence during the 2020 general elections.
There were 61 recorded cases of electoral and post-electoral violence across the country.
Twenty-one of the incidents were true cases of electoral violence, six of which involved gunshots, according to the police.
Mr. Agalga insists the IGP failed to live up to his responsibilities as the Inspector General of Police.
Speaking to Citi News, James Agalga said the IGP must resign or be sacked
“The IGP appeared before us (Parliament) and assured us that he was the chairman of the Election Security Taskforce. I remember clearly how the Minority Leader, Haruna Idrissu made it known to him that should anything go wrong, the Minority was going to hold him accountable for any breaches. Now five people were killed. His men targeted innocent citizens, unarmed civilians and fired at them, and he is still at post.”
He further added that “if I were him, I would have the honourable thing by resigning but if he wouldn’t do so, he should be immediately dismissed.”
Meanwhile, the Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery insists the security personnel were not at fault for the violent incidents.
“The security operatives, did what they did within the standard operating procedures, and it would be recalled that even in any case there is injury or death unfortunately, there are investigations.”
“I can assure you that the security personnel have been really good and we can all attest to it that this election has been the most violence-free. But we also urge security agencies to live up to their expectations and standards.”
