Mahama Calls For Stop To Brutalization Of Civilians By Security Agents

Former President John Mahama has demanded a stop to the brutalization of civilians by personnel of the security agencies enforcing the two-week partial lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic.

In a release marking day 3 of the lockdown, he called on commanders of the various agencies involved to tame their trigger-happy personnel, some of whom have been captured in video recordings, cocking guns at civilians among others.

“We have noted some excesses involving brutalization of the civilian population by some service personnel and I urge the various Service Commanders to urgently brief the men to be firm but fair in the execution of the directives,” the former President said.

He also urged Ghanaians to stay home as much as possible saying it is an effective weapon against the virus.

The former President observed that the poor in society are the ones bearing the brunt of the lockdown, praising philanthropy by good-natured Ghanaians, especially members of the NDC, who are donating towards making life bearable for them.

“As we have all noticed, COVID-19 does not discriminate between the rich and the poor. Every one of us is at risk. During this period, however, the poor are suffering disproportionately from the effects of social distancing and the lockdown. We need to do more, as a people, to alleviate the suffering of this disadvantaged and vulnerable group.

“I acknowledge and also commend the contributions of the many who are helping to mitigate the plight of fellow citizens during these times by making donations to health facilities and also to the poor and vulnerable. I wish to commend, especially, the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

Meanwhile, after donating PPEs to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital in Accra, the former President has said that the Tamale Teaching Hospital is next on the agenda to receive donation from him.

“Despite the shortage of essential medical supplies we are managing to procure some PPEs and other supplies, which we shall shortly commence distribution to the Tamale Teaching Hospital and other Regional facilities are currently known to have registered cases of COVID-19,” they complained.