Recent police killings can cause unfounded jittery - Kwesi Pratt's fears

The Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr says the recent shooting of two police officers can cause unfounded jittery among service personnel.

Available data indicate that 5 police personnel have been shot in the line of duty in the past 30 days. Many have blamed this on the lack of logistics while others think it is the lack of training.

Nonetheless, authorities have been asked to do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of the country's police officers.

Information gathered so far indicates that the two officers who died in the line of duty last week, were not properly armed.

As a result, Ambrose Dery, Minister of Interior has asked that all officers of the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) across the country to be armed.

Contributing to a panel discussion on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' Morning Show, the seasoned journalist noted that, "if care is not taken, the American system where police personnel becomes apprehensive and shoots an approaching victim on sight or when the victim puts the hands in his/her pocket can occur in Ghana."

Background

The two officers from the Kasoa Motor Traffic and Transport Department were said to be conducting road checks when they were shot at and killed by some four men in an unregistered vehicle.

The unregistered vehicle was signaled to stop as it approached the checkpoint but the driver failed to stop, causing the police to chase the vehicle.

According to the police in the Central Region, the assailants began shooting at the police vehicle at a point and in the process, the officers were hit. One died on the spot and the other died later at the Police Hospital in Accra.

Three persons were arrested few hours after the incident but the IGP who was visiting one of the deceased families in Kasoa Thursday said one of the suspects is currently on the run but said the Police were working to arrest him.

Meanwhile, the main suspect, Eric Kojo Duah has been arrested.