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MPs to ‘grill’ Kan-Dapaah this week over alleged military assault in Garu
The National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah, is expected to appear in Parliament on November 9, 2023, to answer questions about the attacks on residents of Garu and Tempane in the Upper East Region by military personnel.
Over 50 people were hospitalized after some military personnel allegedly unleashed mayhem on the Garu residents last week.
It is alleged that the military attack was in retaliation for an attack on some National Security operatives by a vigilante group in Garu.
In response to calls by Members of Parliament for an investigation into the matter, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament who chaired proceedings at the time the concern was raised in the house directed the National Security Minister to brief the legislators on the situation on November 9, 2023.
“At the moment, what I want to do is to invite the Minister to appear before the entire house, come and brief us. Probably what we are hearing is different from what the Minister has at his sleeves. So let us invite the Minister to appear before the house, he will come and brief the house, and we will take it on from there.”
“So I am asking that the Minister appear before the house on Thursday the 9th of November 2023 to brief the house concerning issues related to happenings at Garu and Tempane.”
The Minister’s appearance before Parliament is expected to provide some clarity on the circumstances surrounding the alleged attacks and the government’s response.
One dead over assault by soldiers in Garu
Meanwhile, Citi News understands one of the victims of the recent military brutalities in Garu and Tempane in the Upper East Region has died.
Providing an update on the matter to Citi News, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Garu, Albert Alalzuulga announced the death of one of the victims and the release of eight persons arrested.
“It is sad to announce to you that one of the military brutality victims in Garu has died. It is a very sad development. The youth and everybody in the area are so saddened. We are so disappointed in the military and their actions. And we are disappointed in the government as well. What happened in Garu is most barbaric; it is most unfortunate. The residents who were arrested earlier were released on Friday. While some are home safely, others had to be taken to medical facilities due to their conditions.”
“We are already calling on the government to compensate the victims, and if possible, we may have to take legal action. I don’t think that the treatment of the people of Garu was fair. I think the government needs to address this. The military is taking Ghanaians for granted. It is our tax that has bought the uniforms they are wearing. It is our tax that has bought the vehicles and guns.”
Source: Citinewsroom.com
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden passing of Isaac Batsa, the constituency secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker issued a statement on Tuesday reacting to the news, which has shocked the local political community.
Mr.Awuku praised the late NDC secretary for his bipartisan approach to local governance.
He noted that despite their different political affiliations, Batsa consistently rose above party lines to serve the constituency with diligence.
The MP revealed that the news was particularly shocking given that he had last interacted with Batsa just three days prior on Saturday.
Concluding his statement, Sammy Awuku extended his heartfelt condolences to Batsa’s family, the constituency and regional executives, and the entire NDC fraternity, wishing the deceased peaceful eternal rest.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
