By: Ndenab Winimi Williams
The Upper East Regional President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Anthony Namoo, has called on the Ghana Police Service and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to urgently account for the deaths of more than eight individuals allegedly killed by personnel of the Police National Operations Unit, popularly known as the “Black Maria,” in the Upper East Region.
Speaking during the 44th Anniversary Remembrance Service for the three murdered High Court judges at the Upper East Regional High Court in Bolgatanga on Tuesday, Mr. Namoo said the circumstances surrounding the alleged deaths demand transparency, accountability and a thorough explanation from the country’s top police leadership.
Addressing members of the legal fraternity, judicial officers, law students and the public, the Regional Bar President expressed concern that the alleged victims were denied their constitutional right to a fair hearing before a competent court of law.
According to him, every person accused of an offence is entitled to due process under Ghana’s Constitution, and any action that results in the loss of life without judicial determination undermines the rule of law and fundamental human rights.
“The individuals were killed without being allowed to stand trial before a competent court of law. This raises serious concerns about respect for human rights and due process in our democracy,” he stated.
Mr. Namoo argued that the alleged incidents bear disturbing similarities to one of the darkest moments in Ghana’s judicial history—the murder of three High Court judges and a retired army officer in 1982.
He stressed that extrajudicial actions, regardless of the circumstances, have no place in a constitutional democracy founded on justice, accountability and respect for human rights.
“These alleged acts by the Black Maria cannot be different from the murder of the three High Court judges in 1982,” he emphasised.
The Regional Bar President identified the alleged victims as Aziz Iddrisu, Safianu Seidu, Shamsudeen Mohammed, Norbert Anamzoya, Boatbil Niah Sunday, Akologo Abilba, Morgan Anaba, Ayuba, as well as three unidentified persons from Navrongo.
He urged the IGP to provide answers to the bereaved families and the Ghanaian public, insisting that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done in order to preserve public confidence in the country’s justice system.
The remembrance service brought together judges, lawyers, law students and residents of Bolgatanga to honour the memory of Fred Poku Sarkodee, Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, Kwadwo Agyei Agyapong and retired Sam Acquah, who were abducted and murdered on June 30, 1982.
Observed annually as Martyrs’ Day, the commemoration is jointly organised by the Ghana Bar Association and the Judicial Service of Ghana to honour the fallen judicial officers and reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to judicial independence, the rule of law and constitutional governance.
As part of the nationwide observance, legal practitioners traditionally abstain from court appearances to participate in memorial activities, including wreath-laying ceremonies and interdenominational church services dedicated to preserving the legacy of Ghana’s judicial martyrs while reinforcing the importance of protecting justice and the independence of the courts.
Source: MyBlueWavesonlin.com| Maurice Duncan| Bolgatanga
