The Ministry of the Interior has condemned the assault of an arrested person while in police custody, stressing that suspects are entitled to state protection regardless of the allegations against them.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 13, the Ministry also condemned calls for violence linked to the religious dispute surrounding the case, stating that there is no justification for violence against Christians, Muslims or anyone else based on religion.
The Ministry said it was particularly concerned about how civilians gained access to the suspect while he was in custody. The Interior Minister has therefore directed the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the circumstances of the security breach and determine whether any police personnel facilitated or allowed it.
The IGP has also been directed to identify, arrest and investigate civilians involved in the assault and ensure that they face the law.
The Ministry further ordered an investigation into the conduct of supervising officers responsible for the custody of those involved, with disciplinary action to be taken against any officers found culpable.
It reiterated that religious incitement, violence and the unlawful assault of persons in custody have no place in Ghana and called for all persons involved in the incidents to be dealt with strictly according to law.