Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has directed the Minister of Interior Hon. Henry Quartey to investigate and unravel the circumstances that led to the assault of a woman by some immigration officers at the Aflao border in the Ketu South Municipality.
The directive follows a statement from the former Deputy Minister of Tourism and MP for Ketu South Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie condemning the unprofessional conduct of the Immigration Officers against some civilians in her constituency.
Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomahie in her statement expressed disappointment and outraged at the contents of a video, which captures an unarmed civilian being physically assaulted by two-gun wielding Immigration Officers as regrettable and must by condemned by all well-meaning Ghanaians.
Mr. Speaker ‘’ I unequivocally condemn this unprofessional and heinous conduct, no individual, regardless of their position or authority, has the right to inflict such violence upon another citizen ‘’.
She opined that the Ghana Immigration Service, entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding our borders, must uphold the highest standards of conduct and integrity.
‘’The actions of these Officers have not only tarnished the reputation of the Service but have also undermined public trust ‘’.
Consequently, she called on the Minister of Interior to demand the immediate suspension from duty of the Officers involved pending a thorough investigation into the incident.
‘’ It is my hope that measures will be implemented to prevent future incidents such that the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected.’’
Alban Bagbin after listening to the MP directed the Interior Minister to report to Parliament on the matter on July 29, 2024 emphasizing that public servants are expected to serve the public, not use force.
‘’ I am proposing that the Minister of Interior report back to the House latest by 29th July 2024 before this House goes on recess”.
The Speaker stressed that the use of force by public servants is unacceptable, particularly against women, and urged for a thorough investigation into the incident.
‘’ Let me assure MPs that it is within our powers to call back the Immigration Act and have a second look at it if we think there are some provisions that gives them unnecessary powers that are being abused. We must go by the Golden Rule of life as enshrined in both the Quran and the Bible. Do onto others as you want others to do onto you. It is no longer the evil that men do live after them, it is the evil that Men Do lives with them and after them”, Mr. Speaker stated.
