Use of live ammunition by military during traditional festival is violation of human rights – GaDangme Council

The GaDangme Council has condemned the use of live ammunition by the Eastern Naval Command of the Ghana Navy during a clash with the youth of Tema Newtown resulting in the death of two individuals.

On Friday April 12, 2024 at about 7:53pm, reports from Tema Newtown revealed that, a vehicle belonging to the Eastern Naval Command of the Ghana Navy was attacked by a crowd partaking in this year’s year’s Kplejoo Festival.

Three of the Naval personnel onboard the vehicle sustained severe injuries and were sent to the Tema Naval Base Medical Centre for treatment.

During the confrontation, three suspects were arrested by the naval personnel and were subsequently handed over to the Tema Newtown District Police for further investigations.

However, a Press release signed by the Director General, Public Relations, Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quarshie stated that a mob, suspected to be part of the participants in the festivities, later attacked the Tema Naval Base with stones and other implements intending to release their colleagues.

The statement noted that at a stage, the security of the Base was threatened, and in order to protect the sensitive installations in the Base, warning shots were fired to repel the attack.

The incident has yet again generated discussions on men in uniform taking the law into their own hands.

In a statement by the GaDangme Council after the incident, it stated that “the use of live ammunition by the military during a traditional festival is a gross violation of human rights and an abuse of power. The military’s role is to complement the police to protect and defend the citizens, not to harm or kill them”.

The Council further noted that, the indiscriminate use of live ammunition in a crowded public space demonstrates a lack of restraint and disregard for the safety and well-being of the people.

The action by the Eastern Naval Command of the Ghana Navy leading to the death of the individuals according to the GaDangme Council highlights the urgent need for reforms in the military and security forces.

“Proper training, oversight, and accountability mechanisms must be put in place to ensure that such incidents do not occur again in the future. The Navy must be held to a higher standard of conduct and must be held accountable for their actions”, the statement stressed.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces together with the Ghana Police Service says it is yet to ascertain the cause of death during the clash.