The Ghana Police Service has denied media reports suggesting that an officer involved in an infraction during the Ablekuma North by-election rerun is facing dismissal.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, the Service described such reports as false and misleading, stressing that no decision of dismissal has been taken against the said officer.
“The Ghana Police Service has monitored reports in sections of the media making false claims that one of its officers who was involved in an infraction during the Ablekuma North By-Election is facing dismissal. We wish to note that no such decision has been made,” the statement clarified.
According to the Director of Public Affairs of the Service, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the officer in question has been interdicted and is currently before the disciplinary committee as part of internal procedures.
She explained that the Police Service operates a quasi-judicial disciplinary system where outcomes cannot be predetermined.
“The rules of the Service make provision for multiple sanctions and penalties in the event of an officer being involved in misconduct, noting that a decision as to what sanction should apply, if any, is made on a case-by-case basis and dependent on the disciplinary trial,” she stated.
The clarification comes against the backdrop of heightened public interest following the Ablekuma North by-election rerun, which was marred by pockets of disturbances and alleged infractions by both civilians and security personnel.
The police stressed that while the interdicted officer is undergoing due process, it is important for the public to await the outcome of the proceedings instead of speculating. “We would like to once again assure the public that the Police Service will continue to follow the due process of the law to ensure justice, law and order,” the statement added.