A soldier’s shooting of a police officer in Tema while on lockdown duty was not deliberate, the Chief of Defense Staff has said.

Lt. General Obed Boamah Akwa told journalists Tuesday that “some of these accidents do happen in a massive operation such as we have.”

“They were not deliberate,” the CDS added.

He said the military command is investigating circumstances leading to the shooting and “are going to come out with a finding.”

Lance Corporal Francisca Tenge was “shot without confrontation” on Thursday in Tema, Greater Accra region while on lockdown duty.

Medical Director at Tema General Hospital, Dr. Richard Anthony, confirmed the officer responded well to treatment after being admitted for gunshot wounds close to her thigh.

“There were entry and exit wounds but the surgical team did their best and can confirm she is responding to treatment,” Dr. Anthony said.

CDS reiterates Stay home directives

While inspecting cleaning works ongoing on the Tema motorway, Lt. General Akwa seized the opportunity to appeal to the residents in areas under lockdown to cooperate with the security officials.

“If you have no business in town, stay home,” he stressed.

The police service on Monday also vowed to strengthen their enforcement of the lockdown directives.

Some 400 persons have been arrested and are being arraigned for flouting the directives, the police say.

Meanwhile, the imposition of restrictions on the capital and parts of Ashanti region has been extended by a week which began on Monday.

The country’s novel coronavirus figures, however, continue to rise.

566 cases are confirmed by the GHS as of Monday with eight deaths and 17 recoveries.