Ghana:Minority accuses police of bias

The police have been asked to prosecute perpetrators of violent activities The Minority in Parliament has accused the police service of discriminating against members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). The NPP Members of Parliament also criticized the police for failing to arrest and prosecute supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress accused of fueling violence across the country. Speaking at a news conference in Accra on Tuesday, the MP for Akropong, William Ofori Boafo, cited the interrogation of the NPP General Secretary, Nana Ohene Ntow who was questioned last week over his alleged involvement in the recent violence at the Agbogbloshie Market in Accra. He said the interrogation, “to the best of our knowledge is a non-existing criminal offence that certainly amounts to discrimination and selective justice.” Mr Ofori Boafo, who is also the Minority Spokesperson on Defence and Interior, accused the Minister for Interior of showing apathy toward concerns raised by the Minority to hasten investigations into the February violence in Agbogbloshie. “The minister has exhibited utter indifference to the request, no arrest; no persecution…those involved, whose identities have been given to the police, still parade the streets and beat their chest with brazening impunity that nobody can touch them.” He also called on the IGP and the police top brass to prosecute supporters of NDC who have been named as suspects in some violent incidence. “Such a step would clearly demonstrate that freedom and justice is our invaluable inheritance; and that the rule of law and due process are the hallmarks of our criminal justice administration.” Story by Isaac Essel Myjoyonline.com/Ghana