In a move that has sparked widespread outrage and allegations of partisanship, the Ghana Police Service, under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has detained Naa Koryoo, the NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate for Awutu Senya East, over an alleged spelling mistake on her gun license document. The arrest has been criticized as an example of the police’s meticulous but misplaced priorities, with detractors pointing out the glaring double standards in how justice is administered.
The incident stands in stark contrast to the police’s handling of a far more serious issue involving a top appointee in President Akufo-Addo’s administration. Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng, also known by his other identity Kwabena Adu Gyamfi, serves on the board of trustees for the controversial US$450 million National Cathedral project. Despite possessing multiple identities and obtaining various official documents under these separate names — including a Ghana Card, Voter ID Card, Driving License, TINs, and a Diplomatic Passport — he has not been summoned for questioning by the police. This revelation, brought to light through thorough parliamentary oversight, highlights the mockery made of digitalization efforts and the laxity in scrutinizing high-profile individuals.
The stark difference in treatment between Naa Koryoo and Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng/Kwabena Adu Gyamfi has not gone unnoticed. While the police detained Naa Koryoo, a lactating mother, overnight for what appears to be a trivial clerical error, they have yet to question Rev. Kusi Boateng despite significant public outcry and formal petitions. The Accra Human Rights Court has labeled his actions as criminal, yet he continues to enjoy the police’s protection and attend high-profile events with impunity.
The Dampare-led Ghana Police Service which is apparently controlled by mindless NPP hawks, unjustly detained overnight the NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate for Awutu Senya East, Naa Koryoo, supposedly because they have concerns about an alleged spelling mistake in her gun license… pic.twitter.com/A8weqYARGc
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) June 8, 2024
This selective justice calls into question the integrity, professionalism, and impartiality of the Ghana Police Service. The apparent partisanship and double standards are eroding public trust and respect for the institution, painting a picture of a banana republic rather than a nation governed by the rule of law.
As the public watches in dismay, the Ghana Police Service’s actions suggest a troubling trend where political affiliation dictates the application of justice. This is a far cry from the principles of fairness and accountability that should underpin a democratic society.
However, hope remains that true justice and accountability will eventually be restored in Ghana. The struggle between good and evil, as history shows, often swings towards justice in the end. As citizens demand transparency and integrity from their institutions, the call for a return to Nkrumah’s vision of a just and equitable Ghana grows louder. In this battle, neutrality is not an option; the future of Ghana’s democracy depends on the unwavering commitment to justice for all, irrespective of political affiliation.