A contentious statement made by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has sparked criticism from Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh.
The IGP suggested that individuals involved in the Bawku conflict could be considered for police recruitment if they lay down their arms.
Annoh-Dompreh expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of the IGP’s statement, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for other conflict areas in the country.
“The comment of the IGP — this is purported to be his major public statement ever since he was appointed. And maybe he made that statement just on the spur of the moment, but it is clearly an unfortunate statement,” Annoh-Dompreh said.
He questioned the logic behind rewarding individuals for laying down their arms, asking, “Does it mean that people from other parts of the country will also just fight, and then when they lay down their arms, they will be considered for recruitment into the police service?”
The Minority leader urged the IGP to reconsider his statement, citing concerns that it could undermine the integrity of law enforcement agencies.
“It is most unfortunate to say that if you lay down your arms, you’ll be considered for recruitment. It is out of place,” Annoh-Dompreh emphasized.
The Bawku conflict has seen a resurgence of violence in recent times, prompting renewed calls for peace.
President John Mahama has assured that the Asantehene-led peace mediation process, spearheaded by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will resume next week, aiming to restore calm in the conflict-hit area.