We'll deal with erring soldiers

Independent paper, The Ghanaian Chronicle, carries that the High Command of the Ghana Armed Forces has described the action of the soldiers who charged on police personnel at the Osu police station as unfortunate, adding that directives has been issued for a full-scale investigation into the incident.

"The military command wishes to indicate that the incident is unfortunate and directives had been issued for full-scale investigation into the incident so that swift action can be taken against the culprits".

According to a release issued by the Armed Forces Public Relations Directorate on Monday, further directives from the High Command reiterating efforts to address issues of misbehaviour in town or antagonizing the civilian population have been issued to all ranks under the command. The statement said the directive warned soldiers to desist from meddling in land issues, debt collection, unauthorized use of weapons general misconduct and unruly behaviour.

"The attention of the Armed Forces has been drawn in particular to the Ghanaian Chronicle story of Monday April 2, 2001 alleging that 'Soldiers Attack Osu Police Station' and wish to state that investigations have been ordered into the incident".

The statement further noted that the two soldiers, Lance Corporal Fiatepe and Sapper Deku mentioned in the story were detained immediately they were released from the police station. "Further identification is to be conducted to establish the group of soldiers who allegedly stormed the police station and those found guilty would be severely punished."

It also noted that the Military Command and the Police High Command are in touch with each other on the mate and that the relationship between the Armed Forces and the Police Service has been cordial and strengthened in recent times as can be seen during recent joint military-police operations to retrieve illegal weapons.

"This unfortunate incident will, therefore no be permitted to mar the existing cordial relations between the military and the police.