Davis Ansah Opoku, the MP for Mpraeso, has criticized the Police for using live ammunition in the Kwahu South Municipality of the Eastern Region in an effort to scatter a hostile crowd.
He said that the choice to use live ammunition was inappropriate and out of step with global trends in contemporary law enforcement.
The lawmaker demanded an instant review of the police’s handling of the situation in a press release released on Tuesday, February 6.
He highlighted the significance of averting any further escalation of the situation and voiced concern that the police’s use of live rounds has caused a halt to economic activity.
“The recent violent outburst in Bepong and the local police response that followed disturb me greatly. There should be an immediate review of the police’s alleged use of live ammunition to subdue the unruly crowd, as it led to one death and numerous injuries.”
“I demand a swift de-escalation of the escalating police presence as well as a change in direction toward communication and amicable settlement.
“My constituents’ safety and well-being come first, and this can only be accomplished by exercising restraint, being open and honest, and getting involved in the community.
“Bepong’s peace-loving people are not at conflict with anyone. We demand that the police behave appropriately because we do not intend to attack anyone, including the police.”
Schools in the Kwahu Bepong area have been ordered to close by the Kwahu South Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) in response to a shooting incident that occurred on Sunday, February 4.
Sadly, the incident ended with two people dead and numerous others injured after police in the Eastern Region municipality fired stray bullets in an attempt to scatter a hostile crowd.
In response, the police have increased their presence in the town and detained 71 people, which has caused many young people to leave the area in fear of being arrested while investigations are still ongoing.
