By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Bolgatanga, July 2, GNA – The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate and call to order the National Police Operations Team, popularly known as the “Black Maria”, over allegations of extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses in the Upper East Region.
The Association said the alleged conduct of the special operations team undermined the rule of law and denied suspects their constitutional right to a fair trial.
It alleged that the operations team, led by ACP Baba Ananga, had been linked to the deaths of several persons, including Aziz Iddrisu, alias Baalose, Safianu Seidu, Shamsudeen Mohammed, Norbert Anamzoya, Sunday Boatbil Niah, Akologo Abilba, Morgan Anaba, Ayuba and three others believed to be from Navrongo.
Mr Anthony Namoo, the Upper East Regional President of the GBA, made the call during the 44th Anniversary Remembrance Service held in Bolgatanga in honour of the three High Court judges and a retired army officer who were abducted and murdered on June 30, 1982.
The annual event commemorates the late Justices Fred Poku Sarkodie, Cecilia Koranteng-Addow and Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong, as well as Major Sam Acquah, who were killed while serving the nation.
Mr Namoo said it was appropriate to raise concerns about alleged unlawful killings by the police at an event dedicated to remembering victims of injustice and reaffirming the country’s commitment to the rule of law.
“It is very disconcerting that they will, without remorse, pick up young men under the pretext of sending them to Accra and then allegedly kill them on the way,” he said.
Mr Namoo stressed that regardless of the allegations against suspects, every citizen deserved the opportunity to defend themselves before a competent court.
He cited the case of Sunday Boatbil Niah, who, according to him, stood trial in a Circuit Court for years before being acquitted and discharged because the complainant failed to appear and testify.
Mr Namoo also criticised the practice of transferring suspects arrested in Bolgatanga to courts in Accra, saying it imposed unnecessary financial hardship on accused persons and their families.
He referred to the recent arrest of another suspect, Victor Ayindenaba, who was granted bail in Accra, but would have to travel repeatedly between the Upper East Region and the national capital whenever the case was adjourned.
“The work that the Black Maria is doing in Bolga and the Upper East Region leaves so much to be desired. These are things we said goodbye to many years ago. They should not happen under any circumstances,” he said.
He disclosed that some affected families had already instituted legal action against the Republic over the alleged unlawful killings of their relatives.
“A lot of women have been widowed, and a lot of children are without fathers,” he added.
Mr Namoo urged the Police Administration to ensure that all security operations were conducted within the confines of the law and with full respect for human rights.
He recounted the circumstances surrounding the 1982 murder of the three High Court judges and the retired army officer, describing the incident as one of the darkest chapters in Ghana’s democratic history.
He commended the Special Investigation Board, chaired by the late Chief Justice Samuel Azu Crabbe, and the Ghana Police Service investigators whose work led to the prosecution and conviction of those responsible for the murders.
Delivering a sermon, Reverend Dominic Zida, Head Pastor of the Holy Ghost Temple Assemblies of God Church in Bolgatanga, urged Ghanaians to draw lessons from the country’s history to prevent similar injustices.
He called on citizens to reject excuses, put Ghana’s interests above personal and political considerations, and honour those who sacrificed their lives in the service of justice.
“We must learn from the past. We must put Ghana first, accept responsibility for doing what is right, and ensure that what happened 44 years ago never happens again,” he said.
The remembrance service brought together members of the Bench and Bar, the Judiciary, security agencies and the public to honour the memory of the murdered judges and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to justice and the rule of law.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali /George-Ramsey Benamba
Writer: Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Email: [email protected]