The Minister of State in charge of National Security, Bryan Acheampong has disclosed the armed masked men who assaulted civilians at the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election will be made to face the full rigours of the law.
Speaking at the public hearing of the Justice Emile Short Commission of Inquiry on Thursday, Mr. Acheampong who could not state exactly what punishment will be meted out to the culprits added instructions have been given to the Director of Operations for the National security to identify and fish out the man who also assaulted the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George.
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Appearing before the Commission of Inquiry, Mr. Acheampong, however, explained that the armed security operatives seen in khaki and masks did not misconduct themselves in their handling of the volatile security situation during the by-election.
“The presence of masked armed men at the by-election was not a failed operation. The armed and masked men numbering about 60 deployed did not fire gunshots indiscriminately as reported by the media.”
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According to Mr Acheampong, even though he was not on the ground to obtain first-hand information, the security briefs he has received indicates that the armed masked men were only on duty for a different mission.
“These people who are widely described in the media as hoodlums were on duty to arrest certain nine persons who were causing trouble near the home of the NDC candidate for the by-election. Minimal force was used in their arrest after they initially resisted arrest.”
The Minister who doubles as the MP for Abetifi also disclosed that all of such masked and armed men who assaulted individuals will be made available for questioning into circumstances leading to their misconduct.