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The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has come under fire from Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh for what he calls a careless and regrettable remark regarding the ongoing Bawku crisis.
Annoh-Dompreh voiced her grave worry at the IGP’s remark that people who lay down their arms might be recruited into the police force during a press conference hosted by the Minority on the Bawku problem.
“The comment of the IGP — this is purported to be his major public statement ever since he was appointed. And maybe he made that statement just on the spur of the moment, but it is clearly an unfortunate statement.
“It is most unfortunate to say that if you lay down your arms, you’ll be considered for recruitment. It is out of place. If any other person said this, yes, we may not attach seriousness. But coming from the IGP — and the ramifications of that statement — it is critical,” Annoh-Dompreh said.
He cautioned that such statements run the risk of creating a risky precedent in other regions of the nation where a crisis of this nature might arise.
Adding that such remarks compromise the integrity of law enforcement and may encourage violent actors in unstable places, Annoh-Dompreh requested the IGP to reevaluate the statement.
“Does this imply that individuals from other regions of the nation will likewise engage in combat and then be eligible for police recruitment after putting down their weapons?” he inquired.
A revival of violence in the long-running Bawku conflict has sparked national alarm and fresh appeals for enduring peace.
As part of increased efforts to bring peace back to the conflict-affected Bawku region, President John Mahama has promised that the Asantehene-led peace mediation process, chaired by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will continue next week.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
