The presidential commission of inquiry into the Ayawaso by-election violence has recommended the prosecution of the SWAT member who slapped the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George.
The Justice Emile Short Chaired Commission stated Mr Mohammed Sulemana, should be made to face the full rigours of the law but, however, stated that the conduct of Mr George during the by-election on January 31, 2019, was “inappropriate and ill-advised” and endangered his safety.
The final report submitted to the president, which has been intercepted by Starrfm.com.gh said it “recommends the criminal prosecution for the offence of assault, to wit: the slapping of Mr Samuel George by Mohammed Sulamana.”
The report added, “The Commission notes that members of the SWAT team committed criminal assault on members of the crowd. In its assessment, the Commission notes that some of these incidents of assaults were committed while the victims were in flight and fleeing from the SWAT team who were given chase.
“A Member of Parliament, Samuel Nartey George, who was at the electoral grounds when the incident took place, was assaulted by the said Mohammed Sulemana. While confirming the incident of assault, Sulemana informed the Commission that he slapped the person he did not know was a member of parliament because the person insulted him and his ethnic group. He further explained that had he known he was a member of parliament, he would not have slapped him.
“The Commission notes that the entire encounter between the said Sulemana and the said Honorable Mr Sam George resulting in the slap administered by the said Sulemana, was regrettable.
“In this connection, the Commission notes the reaction of the said Sulemana Mohammed in responding to an alleged insult with a slap was unprofessional and must be condemned.
“The Commission further notes that the behaviour of Mr Sam George within the context of a highly charged environment was somewhat inappropriate and ill-advised and could even have endangered his own safety.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
