Killings in Ejura: Democratic Forum Condemns Government on the persistent and reckless use of Military in Civilian Affairs

…calls for calm

We wish to first as an institution register our displeasure at the deteriorating security situation at Ejura in the Ashanti region. Two people died yesterday and four others sustained various injuries in a clash between some protesting youth and the military/police security force in Ejura Sekyedumase. This clash allegedly occurred when some residents took to the streets to protest over the gruesome murder of a social activist, Ibrahim Muhammed.

We find this clash as very unfortunate, backward and a scar on Ghana’s democracy. We call for tranquility in Ejura and urge the well-meaning youth who were on a protest to demand for justice for a murdered colleague to exercise restraint as the various sector leaders handle the matter.

That notwithstanding, we also wish to state our disappointment in the Government of Ghana for the reckless use of the military in civilian affairs; a fundamental error in the handling of security matters in the country.

We find it ridiculous why the government of the day is fond of deploying the military with the slightest of occurrences. We as an institution believe that the Police Service is the best institution competently trained to deal with civilian matters and as such must be at the helm of affairs in situations such as these.

Few months ago, under this same government, Silas lost his life during the voter registration and about 8 others perished during the elections 2020 partly due to the overly involvement of the military.

We wish to serve notice that Democratic Forum shall submit to Parliament of Ghana a formal petition to invite both the Defense and interior Ministers to provide reasons and to why there was a critical need to deploy military in this matter and account for the lives of these innocent citizens.

Our condolences to the families of the deceased youth of Ejura.

We can only honor their memories by seeking justice for them and that is our commitment as an institution.

|Dr Frank Amoakohene
|Executive Director
|Democratic Forum
0209013583