The Inspector General of Police Mr David Asante-Apetu had said he was not briefed on the operation of the SWAT team before it was rolled out on January 31 at La Bawaleshie.
Testifying at the Emile Short Commission of Inquiry investigating the violence that erupted during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-elections on January 31,Mr David Apetu indicated that even though the security is not obliged to inform the police on their operations, his men should have been informed on the La Bawaleshie operation due to the by-election which was being carried on the same day.
His testimony confirms that of other police officers who claimed they were not informed about the Operation of the masked National Security Personnel at the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-elections
Mr. Asante Apeatu also noted that collaboration between the National Security and the police must be improved since it was evidence that there was lack of cooperation during the Ayawaso incident.
He called on Ghanaians not to vote for any political parties that have vigilante groups adding that vigilantism is a threat to democracy. Mr Asante-Apeatu believes that by so doing vigilantes groups which are formed by these political parties will become a thing of the past.
The IGP announced that the Police Service have started a campaign to end vigilantism by putting banners on walls with the inscription “end vigilantism ” at the police headquarters . So far the Pentecostal Council have come forward to support the campaign. He urged Civil Society Organizations to join forces with the Police Service to campaign to end vigilantism in the country before it escalates.
Mr Asante Apeatu was however happy about the stand of Nana Akuffo Addo to initiate a legislation to ban vigilantism should the New Patroitic Party and the National Democratic Congress fail to meet to dialogue to end vigilantism.He said the Police is ready to enforce it when passed.
By:Victoria Soglo/inhimisliferadio