MMDCE nominations: IGP orders prosecution of suspects involved in agitations

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The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr David Asante-Apeatu, has directed the prosecution of all suspects arrested in connection with the disturbances that followed the announcement of metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) on April 25, 2017.

He said the prosecution of the suspects would serve notice to other members of the public to follow due process at all times.

Protests

The announcement of the names of persons nominated as MMDCEs on that day was greeted with protests in places such as Mpohor, Tolon, Zebila, Savelugu, Nanton and Sagnarigu.

Eleven suspects were arrested in the Northern Region and granted bail.

Speaking to the Daily Graphic, Mr Asante-Apeatu expressed satisfaction with those who chose to hold press conferences and peacefully submit petitions to their regional ministers to protest against the nomination of the said candidates.

He cited a case at Ashaiman where sympathisers of a candidate held a news conference to protest their supporter’s loss and served notice that they would stage a demonstration if the nominee was not withdrawn.

He said in North Dayi and Sandema, the protestors petitioned the regional ministers.

Disturbances

Mr Asante-Apeatu, however, noted with concern the disturbances at Savelugu-Nanton and Sangnarigu, where protestors burnt tyres and blocked roads.

He said in the case of Sangnarigu, the timely intervention of the police, led by the Regional Police Commander, prevented the youth from vandalising the property of the District Assembly.

He commended personnel of the Ghana Police Service in the affected areas for the swift manner in which they dealt with the disturbances.

The IGP said the Police Administration was solidly behind the personnel and urged them to continue to discharge their duties with professionalism.

Both the IGP and the sector Minister, Hajia Alima Mahama, were, however, of the view that the nominations were generally “received well.”

“Some incidents of resistance and agitation by residents in a few districts and municipalities against some of the appointees were expected,” Hajia Alima Mahama said.

Source: graphic.com,gh