Soldiers' alleged conduct: Woyongo's reaction is 'regretable' - Akomea

Mark Woyongo, Upper East Refional Minister The MP for Okaikoi South, Nana Akomea, has condemned the action of some public officials, especially Ministers, who appear to be justifying the reported misconduct of soldiers in Bawku. Citing the utterances of Mr Mark Woyongo, Upper East Regional Minister, Nana Akomea said his pronouncements were “very regrettable and unfortunate...a terribly unfortunate statement to come from a minister.” Mr Wayongo had told journalists following the release of a video footage showing suspects being manhandled by soldiers that stripping the suspects naked was a lesser crime compared to killing innocent people which the suspects were accused of. But speaking on Metro TV's Good Morning Ghana Programme on Friday, Nana Akomea described Wayongo's comments as unfortunate and regrettable. According to the MP, people are criticizing the military because of their public denial of the reported misconduct of some of their men, when in fact those allegations were later proven to be true. He noted that such attempts on the part of officials to justify wrongdoing is what has fanned criticisms from the public, adding, the criticism are not what will demoralize the peacekeepers but their reaction to the issue. “People are complaining about their conduct because of the denial and justification,” he stressed. He added, however, that “If it is wrong, you admit it is wrong and take remedial measures. But if you don’t, the criticisms will continue and their conduct will be the issue instead of their peacekeeping efforts.” Nana Akomea emphasized the need for the military to refrain from “sweeping their excesses under the carpet”, cautioning “that [that]attitude does not help the situation." Source: Dorcas Efe Mensah/myjoyonline.com/Ghana