Manso-Nkwanta police shooting: 7 persons killed were not robbers – Report

A five-member committee that investigated the shooting incident at Manso-Nkwanta says the seven persons killed by the police were not robbers as reported earlier. The incident which attracted national attention took place within the Amansie West District of the Ashanti region on July 17, 2018 resulting in violent protests by residents of Asawase where the victims resided. The police alleged at the time that the seven were part of a robbery gang that killed a police officer at Ayirebikrom near Manso-Nkwanta. The family vehemently rejected the police’s position, insisting their relatives were not thieves. Following this development, government set up a five-member Committee chaired by a high court judge, Justice Obeng Diawuo to investigate the matter and come out with what exactly led to the death of the seven persons. In a statement dated November 18, 2018 and signed by Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, government said the Committee’s report  indicates that the police erred in killing the seven persons. “According to the report, there were no facts before the committee to establish that the deceased persons were armed robbers who engaged in exchange of fire with the Police,” government said. Government has therefore directed the police administration to interdict all twenty one (21) police personnel involved in the incident, and subject them to formal Police Criminal Investigation. Dependents of the deceased persons will also receive support from Government. The Information Ministry statement said government is working towards ensuring that justice is served. “Government assures the general public that due process will be followed in the pursuit of justice and calls for continued calm and patience pending a conclusive determination of the matter.” By Irene Amesimeku| editors.3news.com| Ghana