Committee To Probe Ejura Killings Will Meet 10-Day Deadline – Dery
The Interior Minister, Ambrose Derry, has said the three-member committee tasked to conduct a public inquiry into the disturbances recorded at Ejura in the Ashanti Region, will meet the deadline given by President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
President Akufo-Addo on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, in a statement from the presidency instructed Ambrose Dery to conduct a public inquiry in 10 days into the chaos that resulted in the death of two persons following the killing of a social activist, Ibrahim Mohammed.
Mr. Dery subsequently on Thursday, July 1, 2021, named the members of the Committee that will be undertaking the said exercise.
Mr. Ambrose Dery has assured the chiefs and residents of Ejura and the country at large, that the Committee will be able to unravel the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incidents.
According to him, the government is committed to ensuring that there is peace and security in the country.
“I believe that within the ten days given ending July 9, 2021, the unfortunate circumstances would be investigated and appropriate recommendations made. Let me assure you of the commitment of the government to ensure peace and security in Ghana.”
Who are the members of the committee?
They are Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice George Kingsley Koomson [Chairman of the committee], Security Analyst, Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso, and the Executive Director of Penplusbytes, Juliet Amoah.
Marie Louise Simmons, a principal State Attorney, will serve as secretary to the committee.
What happened in Ejura?
Ibrahim Muhammed, died on Monday, June 28, 2021, after he was attacked by a mob when he was returning home on his motorbike on Sunday at Ejura in the Sekyedumase District of the Ashanti Region.
He’s alleged to have been killed because of his social activism, which some felt was making the government unpopular.
The 45-year-old was noted to be vocal on both local and national issues using his Facebook page.
His family said he had faced threats over his activism prior to the attack.
Following his burial, some residents of Ejura began a street protest but were confronted by armed police and military personnel, leading to the death of two persons who were said to have been shot by some soldiers. The Police claim the protestors had become rowdy and were pelting the security personnel with stones.
Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Police Command has said it is investigating the incident.