Police deploy officers to stop post-poll attacks

The Ghana Police Service says it has arrested three political hoodlums in the Brong Ahafo Region, four in the Central Region, and one in the capital, Accra, following various post-election disturbances.

At a press conference on Friday, 13 January, Police Public Affairs Director Supt Cephas Arthur said the disturbances in Brong Ahafo had to do with assault and arson. He said the suspects launched attacks on their political opponents and also set the Fiapre toll booth ablaze.

The arrested suspects include Mark Tetteh, an assemblyman; Amos Asare, and Bismark Baafi. He said two of them were grabbed in connection with the arson and one was in connection with attacks on party opponents. “They were processed and put before court and have been granted court bail,” he said.

In the Central Region, the suspects arrested include Isaac Issa, Richmond Biney, and Mark Akolgo, who were all involved in a politically related case of assault and counter-assault. They were arrested and also put before court. Supt Arthur said “there is also the case of Alhassan Agamatsi Atta, whose incident is also an attack on an opponent at Dunkwa-On-Offin where one Ayuba Akakpo lost his life”.

In the Accra Region, Supt Arthur said one Daniel Ashittey was arrested for breaking into the home of a former MP and damaging some properties in the house.

The disturbances followed the investiture of President Nana Akufo-Addo on Saturday, 7 January.

The Police Service has come under intense criticism for watching aloof as the rampaging hoodlums unleash venom on their political opponents and illegally take over state institutions. But Supt Arthur told Class News that the police had been proactive in reining in the hoodlums. Meanwhile, the IGP has deployed officers across the country to deal with any hooligans that disturb the peace any further.