Mills' Office condemns mortuary punishment for drivers

Accra, July 8, GNA - The Office of Professor John Evans Atta Mills, leader and presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, on Tuesday said it was "greatly dismayed" at the alleged punishment of drivers who flouted road traffic regulations by being asked to work at the mortuary of the 37 Military Hospital. "We consider it an act of extreme callousness for drivers, no matter the gravity of the traffic offences they may have committed, to be sent to the 37 Military Hospital mortuary to arrange dead bodies and mop the floor," it said in a statement signed by Mr Koku Anydidoho, Head of Communications.

"As regards the driver who was forced to fondle the breast of a dead lady, as well the driver who was forced to cuddle a dead baby, our heart goes out to them considering their very traumatic experience." The statement said Prof. Mills' Office was aware that the Military High Command had given its word to get to the bottom of the matter and bring those behind the unacceptable act to book.

"We respect the Ghana Armed Forces and trust that those who are found blameworthy will be made to face the full rigours of the Army's disciplinary code."

It said the Ghana Armed Forces had a reputation that flies high, and a few over zealous men in uniform must not be allowed to destroy the image of such a respected institution with acts that bordered on nothing but extreme cruelty.

The Ghanaian Times reported on Monday that some intra-city commercial drivers (trotro) and their mates had reportedly been subjected to dehumanizing methods of punishment by military guards at the 37 Military Hospital for flouting traffic regulations. Offending drivers and their mates were allegedly detained in the hospital's mortuary and made to arrange dead bodies or mop up water on the floor. 8 July 08