Manso-Nkwanta: 7 Killed By Police Were Innocent - Gov't

Government has indicated that the seven people who were shot dead by the police at Manso Nkwanta in the Ashanti region were innocent.

"According to the report, there were no facts before the committee to establish that the deceased persons were armed robbers who engaged in exchange of fire with the Police".

Seven people were shot dead by the police near Anhwiakwanta on the Kumasi-Obuasi road some months back on suspicion that they were armed robbers.

Residents and family members however debunked claims of armed robbery indicating that the seven were well-known members of their community.

An independent committee was therefore set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. They have since submitted their report to government.

Government upon careful study of the report, has decided that "the twenty-one (21) police personnel involved in the incident who have been found to be the principal suspects be interdicted by the Police administration and be subjected to formal police criminal investigation into the matter".

Below is a statement signed by Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.

STATEMENT ON SHOOTING INCIDENT AT MANSO  NKWANTA IN THE AMANSIE WEST DISTRICT
 
Following a shooting incident at Manso-Nkwanta within the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region on July 17, 2018 resulting in the death of seven (7) persons, Government established a five (5) Member fact-finding committee to look into the matter.

 
1. The membership of the fact-finding committee was as follows:
 

Justice Obeng Diawuo                     -           Justice of the High Court
 
Rt. Rev. Prof. Osei-Safo Kantanka     -           Pastor Methodist Bishop
 

Sheik Ahmed Siedu                   -           Executive Secretary, Office of the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam
 

Mr. David Adu-Osei                           -           Ashanti Regional BNI Commander
 

Mrs. Emelia Ayebenu Botchway         -           Ag. Ashanti Regional Coordinating Director 
 

2. The committee has since completed its work and submitted its report to Government.
 

3. According to the report, there were no facts before the committee to establish that the deceased persons were armed robbers who engaged in exchange of fire with the Police.
 

4. Government upon a careful study of the report, has decided as follows;
 

a) the twenty-one (21) police personnel involved in the incident who have been found to be the principal suspects be interdicted by the Police administration and be subjected to formal police criminal investigation into the matter.
 

b) in the interim, Government in consultation with the families and community leaders will provide support for dependents of the deceased persons.
 
5. Government assures the general public that due process will be followed in the pursuit of justice and calls for continued calm and patience pending a conclusive determination of the matter.


END

KOJO OPPONG NKRUMAH

MINISTER

Source: Peacefmonline.com