Interior Ministry condemns assault of suspect in custody, orders Police investigation

Ghana's Ministry of the Interior has strongly condemned the assault of an arrested individual while in police custody. The Inspector-General of Police has been directed to launch a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The Ministry noted with concern that the assault occurred after public statements linked to a religious dispute, which included calls for violence against those perceived to have offended religious sensitivities.

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The Ministry unequivocally condemns all such statements, as there is no justification for inciting violence against Christians, Muslims, or any other person on the basis of religion.

In a firm statement, the Ministry declared, "The Ministry unequivocally condemns all such statements, as there is no justification for inciting violence against Christians, Muslims, or any other person on the basis of religion." It stressed that regardless of the allegations against a suspect, no one has the right to assault a person held by the police. "An arrested person is in custody of the State and is entitled to the protection of the law," the statement added, also expressing serious concern about how civilians gained access to the detained individual.

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An arrested person is in custody of the State and is entitled to the protection of the law.

Minister Muntaka Mubarak has mandated three immediate actions from the police. These include identifying how civilians accessed the suspect and determining if any police personnel were complicit. Officers found culpable will face disciplinary measures. The police are also to identify, arrest, and investigate the civilians involved in the assault. Furthermore, the conduct of supervising officers responsible for custody and supervision will be examined, with disciplinary sanctions applied where necessary.

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The Minister further directed the Police to deal with all persons arrested in connection with the preceding incidents “strictly in accordance with the law and without fear or favour.”

The Minister further instructed the police to handle all individuals arrested in connection with the preceding incidents "strictly in accordance with the law and without fear or favour." The Ministry reiterated that religious incitement, religious violence, and the unlawful assault of persons in custody have no place in Ghana. It reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining public order, protecting the rights of those in custody, and fostering peaceful coexistence among all citizens, emphasizing that no belief or grievance places anyone above the law.

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No religious belief, personal grievance or other consideration places anyone above the law.