ACP Ansah-Akrofi
The Ghana Police Service has categorically denied allegations that they forced individuals on trial for their involvement in the recent Democracy Hub demonstration to re-enact their protest at the 37 Roundabout.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the police said crime scene reconstruction is a standard practice used by law enforcement agencies all over the world.
The statement noted that crime scene reconstruction is also fully compliant with “our established procedures.”
The statement emphasised that this practice has been part of the Ghana Police Service’s operations for many years.
It said the detectives involved in the reconstruction have been part of the investigative team since the case began, adding that the assertion that these officers are unknown to the accused individuals is, therefore, inaccurate.
“The police confirmed that during the reconstruction process, the accused were informed of their right to legal representation.
“Some chose to participate without their lawyers present, while others opted to wait for their legal counsel before proceeding with the reconstruction. The claims that the accused were coerced or threatened into participating are untrue,” the statement maintained.
The police also highlighted previous attempts to spread misinformation regarding this case, including incidents involving the arrest of a 12-year-old child and a pregnant woman, which they believe were aimed at undermining public confidence in law enforcement.
“We urge the public to disregard these recent allegations as yet another attempt to mislead and create disaffection towards the police,” she concluded.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke