'Gang Of 7' Incident....Police Involved In Shooting To Be Interdicted
The Akufo-Addo led government has asked the police service to interdict the 21 personnel involved in the shooting of 7 persons at Manso-Nkwanta, Ashanti Region.
The personnel are to be subjected to formal police criminal investigation, according to a statement signed by Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah.
Seven people were shot dead by the police near Anhwiakwanta on the Kumasi-Obuasi road some months back on suspicion that they were armed robbers.
Residents and family members however debunked claims of armed robbery indicating that the seven were well-known members of their community.
An independent committee set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting of the seven young men at Manso Nkwanta has since submitted its report to government.
The report indicated that the suspects were not armed robbers.
Government upon consideration of the report will consult with the families and community leaders and provide support for dependents of the deceased persons.
Below is the full statement
STATEMENT ON SHOOTING INCIDENT AT MANSO NKWANTA IN THE AMANSIE WEST DISTRICT
Following a shooting incident at Manso-Nkwanta within the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region on July 17, 2018 resulting in the death of seven (7) persons, Government established a five (5) Member fact-finding committee to look into the matter.
1. The membership of the fact-finding committee was as follows:
Justice Obeng Diawuo - Justice of the High Court
Rt. Rev. Prof. Osei-Safo Kantanka - Pastor Methodist Bishop
Sheik Ahmed Siedu - Executive Secretary, Office of the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam
Mr. David Adu-Osei - Ashanti Regional BNI Commander
Mrs. Emelia Ayebenu Botchway - Ag. Ashanti Regional Coordinating Director
2. The committee has since completed its work and submitted its report to Government.
3. According to the report, there were no facts before the committee to establish that the deceased persons were armed robbers who engaged in exchange of fire with the Police.
4. Government upon a careful study of the report, has decided as follows;
a) the twenty-one (21) police personnel involved in the incident who have been found to be the principal suspects be interdicted by the Police administration and be subjected to formal police criminal investigation into the matter.
b) in the interim, Government in consultation with the families and community leaders will provide support for dependents of the deceased persons.
5. Government assures the general public that due process will be followed in the pursuit of justice and calls for continued calm and patience pending a conclusive determination of the matter.
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