Security Intelligence and Fraud Prevention Consultant, Richard Kumadoe, has called for a thorough investigation into allegations of military brutality in Bunkpurugu in the North East Region, saying it is too early to conclude that the reported incidents were directly caused by the ongoing curfew.
Several residents of Bunkpurugu have alleged that soldiers deployed to enforce the curfew imposed amid renewed chieftaincy tensions entered homes, assaulted occupants and damaged property.
Reports indicate that about four residents were receiving treatment at the Bunkpurugu District Hospital following injuries allegedly sustained during the incidents. Families of the affected residents have called for investigations and justice.
The allegations come against the backdrop of renewed violence linked to the long-running chieftaincy dispute in Bunkpurugu. Recent clashes reportedly resulted in the death of a woman and the shooting and injury of a soldier, prompting heightened security operations in the area.
Speaking on Ahotor 92.3FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show with Nana Dogbe through a telephone interview, Mr Kumadoe explained the role of security agencies in enforcing a curfew and what should happen when allegations of misconduct arise.
According to him, a curfew is a short-term security management measure introduced to help security agencies regain control of a situation and restore peace. He explained that every curfew comes with specific protocols, including clearly defined operating hours and responsibilities for security personnel.
Mr Kumadoe said the duration of a curfew could vary depending on the security situation, adding that authorities normally review the measure based on developments and the behaviour of residents.
He explained that while the Interior Ministry is responsible for imposing a curfew, law enforcement officers, including the military, are expected to enforce the restrictions and maintain law and order.
“The Interior brings the curfew. What the law enforcement officers do is to enforce the protocols of the curfew, or they take care of law enforcement in general,” he explained.
Mr Kumadoe noted that situations could arise during enforcement operations that might lead to confrontation or escalation. He cited a situation where a person carrying a weapon enters a house, saying security personnel have a duty to retrieve the weapon and that such an operation could potentially escalate.
However, he stressed that where military personnel are found to have acted improperly, the Ghana Armed Forces has internal mechanisms to investigate and sanction them.
He explained that the military operates under both military and civil laws, meaning affected individuals or families could also pursue legal action where necessary.
“The military operates with two laws: the military law and the civil law,” Mr Kumadoe stated.
He further explained that where there is evidence of wrongdoing, the police could also become involved in investigating officers who may have violated Ghana’s civil laws.
Commenting specifically on the Bunkpurugu incident, Mr Kumadoe said investigators would have to establish whether the situation resulted from fatigue among security personnel, individuals taking the law into their own hands, or a particular incident that triggered an enforcement action.
He said it would therefore be premature to attribute the reported incidents solely to the curfew until the facts surrounding the alleged assaults and damage to property have been established.
Mr Kumadoe also acknowledged the significant role security agencies have played in maintaining relative peace and stability in the area, noting that development activities have continued as a result.
He described the Bunkpurugu situation as potentially an isolated incident that requires proper investigation rather than a basis for condemning the entire security operation.
He appealed to residents, families and all stakeholders to avoid actions that could inflame the conflict, stressing the importance of peace and cooperation with security authorities.
“If the conflict had not happened, there would not have been a curfew. But with this particular case, we cannot say that it is the curfew because they have not explained for us to be sure that the curfew is what led to what is happening.”
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah