The Ghana Police Service has refuted claims made by Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), suggesting that the arrest of three individuals for possession of firearms at Ofaakor in the Awutu Senya East Constituency was due to an “order from above.”
In a video circulating online, Mr. Asiedu Nketia alleged that the Accra Regional Police Commander, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and the Inspector-General of Police had informed him that the arrests were directed by higher authorities.
The Police Service has categorically denied these assertions, stating that they are false and without any basis. According to the police, none of the officers mentioned in the video has ever made such a pronouncement.
The incident in question involved the discovery of a Pump Action gun with four rounds of ammunition in a vehicle at the Electoral Commission’s offices in Ofaakor.
The individuals involved were Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, the NDC parliamentary candidate for Awutu Senya East, along with Abdulai Aziz and Mustapha Mohammed. Naa Koryoo was cautioned for the unauthorized transfer of firearms, while Aziz and Mohammed were cautioned for possessing firearms without authority. All three have since been granted bail.
Naa Koryoo’s detention on June 7, 2024, sparked significant unrest among NDC supporters, who gathered at the Cantonments Police Station demanding her release.
The incident drew widespread condemnation, including from former President John Dramani Mahama and other NDC officials, who labeled the detention as politically motivated.
In addition to the firearms charges, Usman Haruna was arrested and remanded into custody in connection with the stabbing of the son of Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, during the disturbances at the Electoral Commission’s office. Haruna is scheduled to reappear in court on June 19, 2024.
The Police Service has emphasized that the arrests were a result of standard procedures and ongoing investigations, which are being conducted without external influence. The case docket has been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General for review and advice, as part of the ongoing legal process.
The police have reiterated their commitment to impartiality and due process as they continue their investigations.