The GaDangme Council has denounced the Ghana Navy’s use of live ammunition on several Tema youth during a procession for the Kpejoo Festival, leading to the tragic deaths of two individuals.
The incident occurred in the evening of Friday, April 12, 2024. According to reports, a dispute erupted between the youth and Navy personnel upon their arrival at the Eastern Naval Command. Allegedly, during the altercation, a Navy vehicle was damaged, and two individuals lost their lives due to gunfire.
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In response, a statement signed by President Ayikoi Otoo has characterized the military’s actions as a severe infringement of human rights and an abuse of authority.
“The military’s role is to complement the police to protect and defend the citizens, not to harm or kill them.
“The indiscriminate use of live ammunition in a crowded public space demonstrates a lack of restraint and disregard for the safety and well-being of the people,” the statement read in parts.
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Citing an incident in 2023 where two fishermen lost their lives during customary Homowo fishing, the council bemoaned the use of excessive force by the military reflects a systemic issue of impunity and lack of accountability within the security forces.
“The culture of impunity enables such abuses of power to go unchecked and perpetuates a cycle of violence and injustice,” the statement added.
