Rights Commission wants independent enquiry into killings

The Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on Tuesday called for the establishment of an independent committee of enquiry to investigate circumstances leading to the killing of four persons alleged to be neighbourhood watchdog committee members at Taifa last Friday.

The Commission said; "It has learnt with deep regret that four persons, alleged to be members of Neighbourhood Watch-Dog Committee in Taifa, were mistaken for armed robbers and killed by a joint Police/Military team".

A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr Justice Emile Short, Commissioner of CHRAJ, said, "It is hoped that the unfortunate deaths of these four young men will not dampen the spirits of the public to assist the Police to fight crime."

The Commission explained that the establishment of an independent body of enquiry was essential to ensure public acceptance of the findings and recommendations of any inquiry of the tragic incident".

It said it ought to be "emphasised that notwithstanding, the difficulty and risk involved in the task of fighting crime, those who wield deadly force in society shoulder a great responsibility and bear the burden of exercising great restraint and circumspection in the use of force in enforcing law and order".

The Commission has also charged Ghanaians to continue to perform their civic duties by assisting the Police to combat crime to help build a peaceful society. The Commission urged the government to consider whether the training of the military was appropriate to assist the Police in regular crime control or whether their role should be limited to special operations, which were beyond the control and capacity of the Police.

It called for a critical look at the neighbourhood watch committee concept especially efforts should be made to have a proper working concept with security agencies. The Commission expressed the Commission's condolences to the bereaved families