A retired police officer in the Ashanti Region says he was severely beaten by individuals he identified as National Security operatives, an incident that has sparked public backlash after video footage circulated widely online.
Chief Inspector Seibu Sidi, who left the Ghana Police Service on voluntary retirement, said the confrontation occurred after operatives arrived at his residence in Trede and began dismantling equipment at his small-scale wood-processing business. According to Mr. Sidi, he was not present at the time, but later pursued the group to question their actions.
Video of the encounter shows several men in military-style camouflage restraining and striking a man identified as Mr. Sidi, while onlookers plead for restraint. The footage has fueled accusations of excessive use of force and abuse of authority.
Mr. Sidi said he was assaulted after asking the operatives to accompany him to a police station to verify their identities. “That was all I said,” he recounted, adding that he was subsequently forced into their vehicle and beaten.
He also alleged that his 13-year-old daughter was assaulted and had her phone damaged after attempting to record the incident. The operatives, he said, suspected that a driver transporting wood who had evaded a stop order had links to his business.
Mr. Sidi further claimed his personal vehicle was detained and later released only after he paid for repairs to a vehicle used by the operatives, which they said had been damaged during the encounter.
The National Security Secretariat’s Ashanti Regional office confirmed that the individuals involved have been identified and that an investigation is underway. Deputy Regional Security Coordinator Alhassan Tapsoba said the agency condemns the incident and that the matter has been escalated to national authorities in Accra.
“The National Security Coordinator is not happy about the incident,” Mr. Tapsoba said, adding that those involved will be summoned for questioning as part of ongoing inquiries.
Mr. Sidi, who says he continues to suffer from physical injuries and psychological distress, has called for a full investigation and accountability.
Source:TheDotNews