Kumasi Circuit Court Attack: We failed in our duty yesterday - Police

"I admit the police failed in our duty yesterday [Thursday]. We should have sent more officers to provide security. I apologise to Ghanaians, DCOP Ken Yeboah," the Ashanti Regional Police Commander has said on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm.

According to him, the police did not anticipate what happened at the Kumasi Circuit Court where 13 members of the vigilante group Delta Force were standing trail for causing disturbances at the Regional Coordinating Council over a March 24 bloody attack on the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, George Adjei.

He said, the suspects after their leader was arrested, turned themselves in and so the police did not anticipate such an action from the vigilante group because they cooperated with the police in our investigation.

‘’What happened yesterday was unfortunate and I would accept that we failed in our duty. We should have anticipated this attack but because they turned themselves in, we did not anticipate this violent and unlawful attack. I will appeal to the general public to forgive us. We accept our fault and I assure that this will not repeat itself.’’

When asked his opinion on those calling for his head because they feel he is a soft person, he said, ‘’I don’t think those calling for my head understand the job of the police. The police does not employ violence in the discharge of our duty. What shows that I am soft? What are they expecting me to do to prove that I am not doing my best? After the incident occurred, we pursued and arrested the leader, he mentioned names and those persons were arrested, arraigned before court and so what is the softness in this?

He said, the police is doing its best to ensure that law and order is maintained.

He posited that, the disbandment of the unlawful and unrecognized vigilante groups will be in our best interest.

"The existence of vigilante groups is unconstitutional, unlawful and if we do not disband their activities, it will be disastrous for us."