The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate the assault on Ministry staff by some police officers, describing the conduct as unacceptable and contrary to the principles of law enforcement.
This was disclosed by the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Richmond Rockson, during an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, as he condemned the incident.
According to Rockson, the Minister has filed a formal complaint and expressed his dissatisfaction with the Police hierarchy over how the officers handled the situation.
“The Minister has personally written to the IGP to investigate the matter and to the Attorney General’s office for immediate action,” Rockson said. “There has been a formal complaint, and he has clearly expressed his displeasure with what happened.”
He noted that the officers involved, including personnel from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Emergency Response Unit, acted outside acceptable standards, even if there had been a verbal exchange.
“Even if someone insults you, as a police officer, you are not supposed to treat them in that manner. This was a despicable act, and the Minister takes strong exception to it,” Rockson stressed.
He added that the Minister is determined to ensure the perpetrators are punished.
“He will see to it that those responsible are sanctioned. No citizen deserves to be treated the way the staff of the Ministry were treated,” he said.
Rockson further emphasized that law enforcement officers are expected to follow due process, not resort to violence.
“You don’t brutally assault members of the public like that. Even if someone misbehaves, you take them through lawful arrest procedures. Insulting someone is not a crime that warrants violence,” he explained.
According to the PRO, the same officers who allegedly carried out the assault also arrested and transported the victims to the Police Hospital under the guise of investigations.
He concluded by urging security agencies to uphold professionalism at all times.
“We should never subject citizens to this kind of treatment. The police exist to protect the public, not brutalise them,” Rockson added.
Reports indicate the incident began after Ministry workers encountered a pickup truck parked nearly in the middle of the road, obstructing a bus from merging onto the main highway. Once the bus passed, a passenger reportedly confronted the pickup driver about the obstruction.
Three Ministry staff sustained minor injuries, while another has been complaining of pains in the neck, jaw, and back.
Meanwhile, the Police Service is yet to officially respond as investigations into the matter continue.
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