Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has called on the Chief Justice, Georgina Theodora Wood to immediately investigate the Delta force court raid despite their prosecution.
According to him, the unprecedented nature of the crime and the international embarrassment that came with it, warranted sanctions that would serve as a deterrent and therefore it would be appropriate for the Chief Justice to intervene.
“It is about the reputation of the judiciary and I believe it will not be out of place for Chief Justice to step in and investigate the matter despite their prosecution. If it is left that like that, trust me, it will pose serious security issues in the country” he said.
Twenty one (21) members of Delta Force are facing prosecution for various acts of lawlessness. The group stormed the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, attacked and ejected the newly appointed Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator from his office about a month ago. It took the timely intervention of the police to save the situation and restore law and order.
Thirteen of the members were arrested for their involvement in the attack against the Security Coordinator.
On the day they were arraigned before court and later remanded into prison custody, eight (8) of their colleagues attacked the court and freed them (13).
Their action was roundly condemned by a large section of the public who called for their arrest. Less than 24 hours after the act, the leader of the group Kwadwo Bamba was arrested by the Police. Others were subsequently held up by the police.
But speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosi Sen Monday, Mr Ablakwa noted that though the members remain on trial, he still held the view that the court decision on the matter is not enough.
Meanwhile, Vice President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia has re-iterated government’s resolve to deal with acts of political violence such as the recent Delta force court raid without fear or favour.
Speaking at Joy News’ 100 days Town Hall meeting at the new court complex in Accra Monday, the Vice President said government will not shield offenders in the name of partisan politics.
“The message that he [The President] has sent as a result of the arrest, remand, fining of these people who broke the law is a clear message to the country that regardless of your political party, you cannot hide behind the cover that I am an NPP member so I can break the law with impunity. If you break the law you will be dealt with. You will not see Ministers lining up to sign petitions to release them.”
But Mr Ablakwa commenting on the 100-day mark, by the Akufo-Addo’s administration, cited violent attacks by the vigilante groups as its major failing.