Police warn public against lynching

The Police Administration on Thursday expressed concern about some members of the public who mete out instant justice to suspected criminals and said such people should be handed over to the Police.

"Lynching can pose a serious danger to law enforcement efforts of the police," ASP David Eklu, Acting Public Relations Director of the Ghana Police Service said.

He told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that innocent people might fall victim to mob justice, which could be initiated by gangs to rob people.

"This can also be used by people to settle personal scores with their opponents."

Mr Eklu said since most criminals operated as gangs it was very difficult for the Police to trace accomplices when a suspect was lynched by a mob.

He said the administration appreciated the eagerness of the public to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies but this must be guided by law rather than by creating problems where innocent people might become victims.

"The right of arrest of citizens ends when the suspect is handed over to the police", he added.