Case #1: Incidents in EjuraKnown/Reported Facts:
On the early morning of June 27, a 40 year old male, Mohammed Ibrahim, alias Kaaka, from the Ejura, a community the Ashanti Region was attacked from the back of his head in front of his own residence with weapons rendering him unconscious. He died on June 28 at the Komfo Anokye Hospital from his injuries.
Following his demise, the local youth apparently “stormed” the local police station demanding justice. The angry youth were informed by the police that two people had already been apprehended and that investigations were ongoing.
They youth then started “demonstrating” and blocking roads stating they did not believe the police and that unless the police do a full investigation, they’ll “not rest” even if it means “sacrificing with their lives”.
The police mobilized together with military reinforcement to contain the situation. The situation escalated with the youth “charging” towards the security forces (police and the military) with stones, machetes, sticks and other various implements.
Things got out of hand, shots reportedly fired by from security officers hit and killed at least two people and wounded about 4 others.
So now many people are giving their commentary, jumping to conclusions and yet blaming the officers and authorities including the government for the carnage.
Some are also accusing the government that it may be responsible for the killing of Mohammed Ibrahim, who they claim is part of an social media activist group/campaign, “Economic Fighters League”, also connected with the social media group popularly referred to as “fix the country now”.
Questions:
Considering the facts above do people think,
1. The community’s initial response in storming the police station was appropriate and an acceptable conduct?
2. Do you think their actions after speaking to the police was necessary, appropriate or needful? If yes why? Do they have block roads to show their anger? Is blocking roads and destruction of property an acceptable part of demonstrations.
3. People say the police/Military deployment was uncalled for and excessive. What should have been the response to the youth’s anger and rampage? What exactly do people think the situation should have been handled?
4. Do you think civilians should be attacking state agents who they call upon to protect them and their communities? Do you think it is wise to “charge” towards officers who are fully armed and have authority and official mandates over regular citizens?
5. Do people have a full understanding of the risks associated with activism and demonstrations including crowd violence and riots?
6. People are claiming the Mohammed Ibrahim was facing threats for his activism, why would he be traveling alone at 0130am when he had evidence as people claims that his life was at so much risks? Could he have been lured? Could there be an alternative motive? Could he have any other people who would want him dead?
7. Do you think that it is ok to jump to quick conclusions whenever there’s a murder and the full facts are not out? Even if he was threatened as people are claiming, is that enough to draw such a conclusion? Is a threat thee same as an executed action? Shouldn’t we be piecing evidence to draw a direct link if in fact such there information like that? Isn’t that democratic to investigate and make the rule of law follow due process?
It asking for a change and the exercise of one’s democratic right compatible with instant justice, an attack on security forces? Is not allowing due process democratic? What is that change people are looking for? Selective change? Where in a democratic state would people attack a police force in the name of exercising a democratic right?
Please let me know what you think. Or share additional information that that are relevant to help us understand the situation better.
Thank you.
Akosua G
July 04 2021