The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) is calling for “immediate” and “independent” investigation into last Thursday’s deadly shooting of some suspected landguards by officers of the anti-robbery unit of the Ghana Police Service at Bortianor in the Greater Accra Region.
The shootout, the police explained, led to the injury of five of the suspects who were later pronounced dead at the hospital.
According to a press release issued by the police on Saturday, June 10, the remaining suspects fled the scene “and are still on the run”.
But the Bureau said similar incidents in the recent past only send fear down its spine as the suspects may be innocent.
It said in a statement over the weekend that if allowed to fester, the trend may endanger the lives of innocent citizens.
The statement signed by Executive Director Nana Yaw Akwada expressed shock at the action of the police.
“With great distress, we acknowledge the possibility that the five individuals may have fallen victim to what appears to be an unjustified use of force,” it said.
“This is deeply troubling and goes against our constitution’s justice and fair treatment principles.”
It said a thorough investigation not only will restore trust and confidence of the public in law but also “shed light on the truth and enable necessary actions to be taken to prevent the further recurrence of such distressing events”.
Meanwhile, the police are calling on the public, particularly residents of Bortianor, to be on the lookout and “promptly report any individuals with gunshot wounds who may be seeking medical treatment”.
“Your cooperation will assist the police in taking immediate action.”