By Augustine Ehikioya
To ascertain if Human Rights principles were followed, the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) in Ghana has commenced an investigation into the incident leading to the death of armed robbery suspect, Albert Donkor, in Nkoranza.
A team from the PPSB has already visited the area in efforts to carry out the assignment.
According to a statement issued by the Director-General, Public Affairs Directorate, Ghana Police Headquarters, DCOP Kwesi Ofori, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA) on Wednesday, members of the public were urged to avoid unfounded speculations which may prejudice the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The statement said “The Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) has commenced an investigation into the incident to ascertain whether the operation was carried out in line with the standard operating procedures of the Service. A team from the PPSB has visited the area in this regard.”
Recounting how the suspect died, the statement said “As part of a holistic strategy to tackle the menace of armed robbery, the Police Administration has since August 2021 deployed special anti-robbery task forces to all robbery prone areas across the country.
“These special anti-robbery task forces have conducted a series of intelligence-led operations which have contributed immensely to the reduction of armed robbery incidents in the affected areas.
“In the Bono East Region, Police gathered intelligence that a suspect, Albert Donkor, and a gang of five other suspected armed robbers, whose names are being withheld for investigation purposes, were involved in several armed robbery attacks in the region, including armed robbery attacks at Nkoranza on April 19 and 20, 2022.”
It added “Based on this intelligence, an operation was conducted during which suspect Albert Donkor was shot. He was rushed to the Holy Family Hospital for medical attention but he was pronounced dead on arrival.
“Following the death of suspect Albert Donkor, the Bono East Regional Police Command held engagements with the family of the deceased and other relevant stakeholders in response to their concerns regarding the incident.
“In addition, the Inspector-General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare spoke with the family on the telephone and has constituted a high-powered delegation led by COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Director-General/Administration to visit Nkoranza tomorrow Wednesday, May 18, 2022, for further engagements with all the stakeholders.
“In view of the PPSB investigation, we urge the public to avoid unfounded speculations which have the potential to prejudice the outcome of the ongoing investigation,” it said.
The Police, in the statement, also assured the “good people of Ghana that we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all and we urge you to support us in the fight against violent crimes in the country.”