The Ministry of National Security has reacted to the alleged clash that ensued between the youth of Garu in the Upper East Region and its security personnel deployed as part of the five counter-terrorism intelligence officers.
The ministry, in a press statement, waded into the defense of its personnel stating that the youth attempted to kill the National Security personnel deployed to maintain peace in the area with ammunition, which includes AK 47 rifles, machetes, and other weapons despite an initial attempt to introduce them.
“The irate youth group proceeded to attack the officers by firing multiple gunshots at a black Toyota Land Cruiser in which the officers were seated. Following an escalation of the attack on their vehicle, the officers drove to seek refuge at Garu Police Station. The irate youth, subsequently, pursued the officers, encircled the police station, and fired multiple shots with the intention of killing the officers.
“The timely intervention of the Ghana Armed Forces enabled the safe evacuation of the National Security personnel from the Garu Police Station,” it read.
This is in reaction to the military brutality in the Bugri and Garu communities, with residents sustaining various degrees of injuries following the joint operation by security personnel. The injured residents are currently receiving treatment at the Bugri Health Centre, and Garu Presbyterian Health Centre.
The Ministry of National Security further indicated that the perpetrators have been arrested and in police custody.
“The Ministry of National Security deems the attack on security personnel at a police station highly unacceptable, and strongly condemns acts aimed at intimidating and harming officials of State Security and Intelligence Agencies, and impeding them from effectively executing their mandate to safeguard the peace and stability of Ghana.
“Whereas the Ministry of National Security works to promote active citizen participation in safeguarding the peace and stability of our dear nation, deliberate acts that seek to jeopardise the lives of personnel of State Security and Intelligence Agencies will not be countenanced,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive for Tempane, Anabida Issaka, who described the situation as bizarre, in an interview with journalists, disclosed that efforts are being made to safeguard the health needs of the injured.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke