Inspector-General of Police Mr David Asante-Apeatu has said that the perpetrators of the late Captain Adam Mahama have offended the collective conscience of Ghanaians and described the incident as unacceptable.
“The conduct of the perpetrators of that heinous crime is as abhorrent and barbaric as it is reprehensible and that the Police administration takes a serious view to the unfortunate situation”.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the IGP noted that many have attributed the recurrence of mob action in the country to a weak criminal justice system, under-resourced police service and impatience on the part of the people.
He expressed concern that over the years, innocent victims had lost their lives as a result of mob action, saying all of us are potential victims to this unfortunate growing menace and advised against the blame game.
“It behoves on all institutions to undertake massive public education and sensitisation on the issue and advised the public to avail themselves of the requisite knowledge they required to be relevant to the society since ignorance of the law was not an excuse.
He said the police had put in measures to eradicate acts of impunity including enforcement of the law, liaising with other relevant institutions to embark on massive public education and strengthening criminal investigation and community policing.
“Persons who violate the laws of the land in a manner akin to what has happened in the late Captain’s case will be dealt with accordingly”.
He said the police had pledged support to the father of the late Captian Mahama to set up a foundation to manage unfortunate incidents such as mob action.
The IGP said the police administration was prepared to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that ‘instant justice’ was permanently stamped out of the society.
He said sixteen suspects have been arrested and were assisting in investigations.