The main opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) has called for the immediate suspension of the National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah by the President following allegations of torture of the ModernGhana Journalist by National security operatives.
The NDC in a Press statement copied to Ghanamatters.com, the party contended that President Akufo-Addo’s deafening silence on the matter and similar acts of repression does not do his reputation any good.
“These barbaric acts will forever remain a blot on his reputation if he fails to act. He must for once, live up to expectation by ensuring that justice is served in this matter. Any attempt to trivialize this issue as we have seen in times past will only encourage the impunity that is already on the prowl in our nation. The time to act to safeguard our democracy is now,” said Sammy Gyamfi, National Communication Officer, of the party.
According to Abugri, who was released on Saturday 29 June 2019 they were tortured and beaten by National Security operatives while in detention following a raid of their office and their subsequent arrest.
The National Security, however, said there was no physical abuse on Abugri and his colleagues.
“The Secretariat takes a very serious view of these claims and wishes to state, in no uncertain terms that these allegations are false. We consider it to be a clear and deliberate attempt by the suspect to discredit the investigations and the case against him.
“Torture and manhandling of suspects are not part and parcel of the culture and architecture of the secretariat under the administration of President Akufo-Addo,” a statement from National Security said.
But the NDC recounting on similar assaults on Journalists seen under the Akufo-Addo government said the one too many attacks on journalists which have gone unpunished in recent time must end now.
“To remain silent is to allow evil to triumph, to keep mute over these happenings is to encourage this sinister tide,” the statement by the party said.