MP for Ketu South condems Assault on a Civilian Woman by Immigration Officers at Aflao Border.

Member of Parliament for the Ketu South Constituency, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, has strongly condemned the assault of an unarmed civilian woman, Abigail Azaledzi, by two gun-wielding immigration officers at the Aflao border in the Ketu South Municipality.

In a statement on the floor of parliament, on Tuesday, July 7, 2024, the MP expressed deep outrage over the incident, which she said was captured in a video. She stated that this was not the first time such an incident had occurred.

The MP unequivocally condemned the “unprofessional and heinous conduct” of the immigration officers, asserting that no individual, regardless of their position or authority, has the right to inflict such violence upon a citizen. She argued that the Ghana Immigration Service, entrusted with safeguarding the country’s borders, must uphold the highest standards of conduct and integrity, and that the actions of these officers have tarnished the reputation of the service and undermined public trust.
“The Ghana Immigration Service, entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding our borders, must uphold the highest standards of conduct and integrity. The actions of these officers have not only tarnished the reputation of the Service but have also undermined public trust.” She said.

Hon. Gomashie raised serious questions about the service’s training protocols and the culture within the Ketu South border facility, stating that citizens deserve to feel safe from violence, particularly at the hands of those entrusted with their security. She described the blatant disregard for the dignity and rights of a citizen in this manner as simply unacceptable.

The MP emphasized that under no circumstances should armed uniformed personnel resort to physical attack, violence, and causing harm to unarmed citizens, especially under unprovoked circumstances. She argued that the core mandate and objectives of the immigration service do not justify such conduct, which she deemed unprofessional and unlawful.

Consequently, Hon. Gomashie called on the Minister of the Interior to immediately suspend the officers involved pending a thorough investigation into the incident. She also expressed hope that measures would be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected.

She stated that the highest form of accountability must be demanded from those in positions of responsibility, and that the fundamental rights of all citizens must be protected.

By Derick Botsyoe || ghananewsonline.com.gh