Audio: Sam George called for the slap – Deputy Minister justifies govt’s position

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The Deputy Minister of Information has justified the government’s decision not to prosecute the National Security officer, Mohammed Sulemana, who assaulted the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nettey George.

Pius Enam Hadzide said the legislator during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election first assaulted the security operative before he was given the dirty slap.

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Government has questioned the neutrality of the Commission of Inquiry into political violence in the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election.

In a White Paper issued by President Nana Akufo-Addo, government rejected the Commission’s recommendation that Mohammed Sulemana must be prosecuted for the offence of assault of slapping Mr George.

Government, however, accepted the Commission’s recommendation to compensate persons who were injured in the National Security Operation.

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When quizzed on whether Mr George will be compensated, the Deputy Minister said the legislator called for the assault.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, Friday, Mr Hadzide said his [Sam George] conduct provoked the assault, therefore, the young man could not be punished for replying in equal measure.

“No one is above the law so we cannot punish the security person who was provoked by the MP,” he added.

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The Deputy Information Minister said the incident should serve as a lesson to the Ningo-Prampram MP to conduct himself in an honourable way if he wants to be accorded that respect.

Mr Hadzide said the government will ensure all those affected will be duly compensated.

Source: Ghana|Adomonline.com|Adwoa Gyasiwaa Agyeman