Hostellers Association demand explanation from the Police

Takoradi, June 28, GNA- The Hostellers Association at Effia-Kuma New Site on Thursday, demanded an explanation from the Police as to why they threw tear gas into private hostels occupied by students of Takoradi Polytechnic during the recent disturbances at the school. In a press release signed by Mr Kwesi Asmah, President of the association said it was concerned about the Police brutalities and atrocities against the students and individuals at the hostels and wanted to know whether it has the right to do so.

It said, "The Police went outside the Polytechnic and threw tear gas into our individual home and hostels" and expressed the association's deep regret and disappointment at the action of the Police. The release said private hostels accommodate more than half of the student population of Takoradi Polytechnic and the students are under their protection as well as the authorities of the school.

It said the President of the association was hospitalised as a result of the incident leading to the loss of lives as well as manhandling. The release said, "If the whole Police Commander could go on air and tell us that the Police has the right in throwing tear gas into our homes, beat and violate our rights then we the members of the association will not sit down but demand answers to our questions". The association wanted to know whether the Police was justified in throwing tear gas, and who is going to bear the responsibility for the dead, incapacitated and the manhandled, and whether the students should be ejected from the hostels for fear of future brutalities. 28 June 07