Bagbin orders investigation into video of immigration officers assaulting woman

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has ordered an investigation following a video depicting immigration officers assaulting a woman at the Aflao border in the Ketu South Municipality. The incident was brought to Parliament’s attention by Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the MP for the area, who raised concerns about the training protocols and culture within the border facility.

The video in question appears to show armed immigration officers physically assaulting an unarmed woman. In response, Bagbin has instructed the Interior Minister to provide a report to Parliament on 29th July 2024. He highlighted the expectation that public servants should serve the public without resorting to force.

Bagbin underscored that the use of force by public servants, particularly against women, is unacceptable and called for a thorough investigation. "I further direct that the Minister for Interior should report back to this House on what action has been taken in this direction. I need to emphasise that public servants are servants of the people. We volunteered to serve Ghanaians," he stated.

He clarified the distinction between public servants and the armed forces, noting, "The armed forces are armed and trained to use force, and that is usually the last resort. Public servants are people who have volunteered to serve the public, and that service must be rendered without the use of force."

Bagbin also criticised the specific incident, describing the use of force against a woman as completely unacceptable and uncivilised. "It's not at all allowed, and so I'll allow the investigations to proceed and let's see what happens," he concluded.

The Speaker’s directive underscores a commitment to ensuring accountability and upholding standards of conduct within Ghana’s public service, particularly in matters concerning the treatment of civilians, emphasising the importance of a thorough investigation to address the incident at the Aflao border.