The Ministerial Committee set up by Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, to investigate the Ejura protest that turned turbulent, leading to the death of two persons on June 29, has submitted its findings.

The Committee, comprising of  George Kingsley Koomson, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Security Expert, Dr Vladimir Antwi Danso and Juliet Amoah, Executive Director of Penplusbyte, a civil society organization held 12-days of public hearing to probe the matter.

Chairman of the Committee, Justice George Kingsley Koomson on Tuesday, July 27, submitted the report.

The presentation was done at the conference room of the Interior Ministry.

According to George Kingsley Koomson, the Committee during its hearings, treated the matter with all seriousness to ensure it provides substantial recommendations to the government.

“I want to let you know that we attached serious importance to the work and dedicated ourselves to all issues with meticulous attention and details. Having assured ourselves after listening to 22 witnesses and reviewed volumes of documents, including audio and videos, we have come with our findings and proffered some recommendations. And we hope the government, through your good self [Interior Minister], will give a good ear to them and implement them,” he said.

Persons who participated in the 12-day public hearing were; JoyNews’ reporter, Erastus Asare Donkor, Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, Deputy Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP David Agyemang Adjem.

Others include; Central Commander of the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier General Joseph Aphour and the MCE of Ejura Sekyedumase, Mohammed Salisu Bamba and the Medical Superintendent of Ejura Government Hospital, Dr Mensah Manye.

On July 6, the three-member committee set up by the Interior Ministry after a directive from President Akufo-Addo commenced its investigations. It completed its work on July 9, 2021.

Meanwhile, according to JoyNews' correspondent, Maxwell Agbagba, Interior Minister Ambrose Derry says persons found culpable in the Ejura disturbances and subsequent killing of two people, will be made to face the full rigours of the law.

On the use of Military personnel for minor law enforcement duties, he says collaborations between Soldiers and police have resulted in the peace and tranquility Ghana is currently enjoying.

Background

On Monday, June 28, it was reported that a social activist, Ibrahim Mohammed who was attacked by assailants at Ejura Saturday dawn, had died.

The deceased, was attacked by two assailants, who have allegedly been arrested by the Police. He was repeatedly struck on the head with objects until he lost consciousness.

This news left many Ghanaians and some youth in Ejura in shock. While others took their anger to their online platforms, the youth in the area took to the streets demanding justice for the murdered social activist.

The youth stormed the Police station on Tuesday morning to inquire about the extent of investigations regarding the murder of their colleague and #FixTheCountry activist, stressing that they want the Police to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to book.

Pressing home their demand for justice, the youth hit the streets but were met by Military and Police personnel.

However, things turned turbulent as the joint Police and Military team accosted the agitated youth on the streets where the two were shot in the process.

President Akufo-Addo, following the disturbances, called on the Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery, to conduct a public inquiry into the circumstances that led to the death of two persons in Ejura that fateful Tuesday.

A press statement signed by the Ag. Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, indicated that the President has given the Minister, ten days to provide a detailed report of the inquiry for actions to be taken.

“The Interior Minister is to provide a detailed report from the inquiry, with recommendations for appropriate action to be taken by July 9, 2021”.