ACCRA — Mr. Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Majority Leader, has announced to Parliament that the government is taking steps to secure the release of eight individuals who were arrested in Garu, Upper East Region, amid local disturbances.
According to Ghana News Agency, while presenting the Business Statement for the week ending November 10, the Ministry of National Security had assured him of their commitment to uphold the rights of the detained individuals. This development follows an appeal made by Mr. Albert Alalzuuga Akuka, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Garu, on November 1. Mr. Akuka called for information and the release of his constituents who were taken to Accra by military officers.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin responded to Mr. Akuka’s inquiries in Parliament, stating that despite the court’s decision to remand the eight persons into lawful custody, efforts were underway for their release. He mentioned that the Upper East Regional Minister and other regional stakeholders had been granted access to the individuals in question.
The Deputy Majority Leader described the conditions of the detained, noting that they appeared hearty and in good spirits. “In fact, they did not complain of any molestations or any form of abuses of their rights while in lawful custody at the National Security cells,” he reported.
Assurances were given to Parliament for regular updates regarding the status of their release. Meanwhile, Mr. Governs Kwame Agbodza, the NDC Minority Chief Whip, expressed reservations, stating that the true condition of the detainees’ treatment would be clearer once they were released. “Let’s hold on… when they are out, we will find out whether they were maltreated or not,” he said, addressing the uncertainty of the situation while the eight persons remained in custody.