The suspension of the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Upper Denkyira West, Daniel Apiannin, was “necessary” in the circumstances, President Nana Akufo-Addo has said.
Speaking on the suspension which followed the killing of Captain Maxwell Mahama, the President said the DCE’s comments in the wake of the death were provocative, hence the need for the enquiry.
“I have had to do something with some considerable reluctance, but which I felt was necessary to do. The District Chief Executive made comments in this matter that appeared to be somewhat provocative. I have taken the decision that he should be suspended pending an inquiry into all circumstances in the matter and the comments that he made.”
President Akufo-Addo directed Local Government and Rural Development Ministry to effect the suspension. The Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan, will be heading the investigation.
Capt. Mahama was an officer of the 5th Infantry Battalion deployed on an anti-galamsey mission in the district, but the DCE incurred the wrath of the public after suggesting the deceased and his colleagues were in the area to protect illegal Chinese miners.
The DCE’s comments, which were deemed insensitive and insulting by the public, were also seen as a justification for the killing by an angry mob, which claimed it thought Captain Mahama was a robber.
Rule of law must work President Akufo-Addo, in an audio message, also reiterated his commitment to ensuring justice is served. “I’ve told the law enforcement agencies that they should spare no stone and make sure that those who are responsible for this brutal act are brought to face the consequences and are brought before trial in our courts and justice done accordingly.”
“We have to have a country where the rule of law works. I have been fighting for that all my life and now that I am in the chair, I have to make sure that there is meaning to it.”
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