PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION DATE: 28 MAY 2013 PETITION TO HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA
Your Excellency,
Re: Michael Omari Wadie
I would be extremely grateful if you could assist to protect the human rights of my brother, Michael Omari Wadie, a Ghanaian citizen. I would be grateful if you could assist me and a local lawyer in order to ensure his basic human rights are met, that he gets a fair trial and secure his release from detention and pardon in Ghana as a matter of urgency.
Background
My brother, Michael travelled to London, United Kingdom on 26th April 2013 for a short holiday. Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport on 26th May, 2013, we understand that he was immediately arrested at gun point by National Security Agents from the BNI.
To date, we do not know his whereabouts and as a family we are extremely concerned. We have received unofficial information via the media that Michael has been detained by the Internal Security Agents in Ghana. He has not yet been charged with any offence.
The news about Michael’s incarceration without knowledge of the allegations has had a tremendous and devastating effect on our elderly parents and the entire family.
It appears Henry’s basic human rights have been breached, in particular articles, 3, 5 and 6 of the United Nations Convention on Human Rights. We understand from a reliable source that Michael has not been allowed food or drink, therefore is being starved and most likely tortured. He has not been allowed access to a lawyer, or a doctor without legitimate reasons.
We have received unofficial information that he is being detained at a secret location. The BNI are saying that they cannot disclose his location. If he is going to be taken to court, we want to know the location of the court, and the date and time of arraignment as soon as possible. My family has already contacted various agencies including Amnesty International.
I am pleading with you to exercise restraint and to investigate thoroughly whatever allegations your agencies intend to level against him. In the interest of fairness, please intervene on behalf of my brother. Michael’s family and friends worldwide are particularly concerned about his welfare welfare due to the information that we have read at the following website: http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=275209
In conclusion, I would be grateful if you could assist us to obtain the following:
· Confirmation of the detention centre where Michael is being held
· The allegations against him
· Whether he has been granted access to a Lawyer/legal representation
· Whether and when he will be granted access to food and drink provided by his family
· Whether and when he will be granted access to medical assistance to assess his state of health and provide medical care if required
· What will be required to grant him bail
· What will be required to secure his release
· What will be required to secure a pardon and safe return to his family in Obo- Kwahu and Accra.
Should you require any further information or documentation, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you very much indeed for your assistance and co-operation. I look forward to hearing from you as a matter of urgency. Yours sincerely,
