Constables who assaulted Teacher in Ho to be disciplined

Ho, March 01, GNA - The Police Administration has ordered disciplinary action against three police constables who molested a teacher on Monday, February 06 at the Ho Police Training School. The incident led to teachers' solidarity street protest and stoppage of work for two days.

Mr Benard Amedzor, 30, of the Ho Fiave JSS, who had gone to the training school to take some children through some physical training was alleged to have used an unapproved route.

Mr Amedzor was beaten, thrust into a private car, taken out at the centre of town, Civic Centre, about one-and-half kilometres from the Training School and paraded in handcuffs. Mr David Eklu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police and the Director of Police Public Relations, spoke to journalist after a meeting a police investigative team had with parents of the victim, a representative of Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the Municipal Director of Education.

It was found that all allegations levelled against the teacher were frivolous.

He said the Inspector-General of Police ordered investigations when news of the incident and the subsequent teacher's reaction appeared in the media. Mr Eklu said investigations revealed that the force used by the officers was excessive, unwarranted and that the teacher's rights had been grossly undermined. He said the Police Administration deeply regretted the action of the three constables and had ordered the officer commanding the Training School to institute immediate action to repair the damaged relations between the local community and the police.

The Regional Police Command has also been asked to take steps to improve Police/Civilian relations in the municipality. Mr Eklu said by this action the Police Administration was reiterating its position not to condone any acts of lawlessness exhibited by any member of the Police Service. He said the Police Intelligence and Professional Standards Bureau (PIPSB) carried out initial investigation into the incident after which a three-member committee headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr George Asiamah, Director of Legal and Special Duties, was instituted. Other members of the committee were Mr Timothy Ashiley, Chief Superintendent and Second in Command of PIPSB and Mr Eklu.