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General News of Tuesday, 7 August 2007

Source: GNA

Ghanaians cautioned against lynching

Apam, (C/R), Aug. 7, GNA- A police officer at the weekend cautioned Ghanaians against lynching of suspected criminals since it is only the law courts that have the authority to punishment the citizenry. The Apam District Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mr. Kwasi Asare Baffuor expressed concern about the high rate of instant justice, in the country and said the practice must cease. The District Police Commander was addressing drivers at Apam on how to prevent mob action, as part of a public sensitization programme in the district, at Apam on Sunday.

Mr. Baffuor said crowd actions often resulted in the death of innocent persons, stalled investigations, and enabled accomplices to go scot-free and consequently affecting the criminal justice system. He reminded the public that every suspect was considered innocent unless proven guilt by the courts and advised that all suspected criminals should be hand over to the police.

Mr. Baffuor asked Ghanaians to discard the notion that the country's criminal justice system was defective or convicted criminals were not given the right punishment.

He addressed similar fora at Gomoa Akyemfo, Gomoa Ankamu, Gomoa Ngyiresi and Ankamu all in the district.