Bawku Central’s Member of Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has strongly criticized the reported military brutality against Garu residents in the Upper East Region, describing it as savage and unacceptable.
According to reports, Ghana Armed Forces personnel allegedly assaulted individuals in Garu during an early morning operation on October 29, purportedly in response to an earlier attack on National Security operatives on October 24.
Nonetheless, the Ministry of National Security, in a statement, refuted claims of assault and stated that the military’s actions were part of a joint operation in Garu aimed at confiscating weapons used by those responsible for the attack on National Security personnel.
In his statement, Ayariga expressed his disapproval, saying, “Let me add my voice to the series of condemnations of the military brutalities visited upon innocent youth and women in Garu. This is barbaric and unacceptable in today’s Ghana.”
He also mentioned trying to contact the National Security Minister early on the day of the incident, but the Minister was unaware of the situation at that time.
Ayariga offered his sympathy to the victims of the military’s actions and pledged to work with fellow Members of Parliament from the Upper East Region to demand a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
He called on the Minister of National Security, Kan Dapaah, to ensure that the responsible soldiers are held accountable for their actions, particularly if the incident was a retaliatory act.
The Members of Parliament for Garu and Tampane constituencies, Albert Alalzuuga Akuka and Lydia Akanvariba Adakudugu, also issued a joint statement condemning the alleged military actions and insisting on a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
