The Centre for Victims of Injustice (CenVI, GH) has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of a civilian by a Military officer at Ashaiman on Monday 6th April 202.

Although the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has said its investigating the matter, CenVI GH said the investigations must be transparent.

“We call for swift investigation into the killing and the appropriate sanctions for the officer involved. While we acknowledge the magnitude of the challenge and efforts made by the government to fight COVID-19 across the country, we are also alarmed by several reports and videos circulating on social media showing violations of human rights, that include beating of civilians by law enforcement agencies tasked with ensuring compliance of the lockdown. As the nation observes the 14-day lockdown, the rights of citizens must be respected and protected, including the right to health care, security, and access to food and water,” CenVI, GH said in a statement.

“The lockdown must have a human face; enabling citizens and the general public to have access to vital needs and relief for those who can no longer earn a living since the majority of Ghanaians are daily earners and live below the poverty line.

“As a matter of urgency, the government in the coming days should implement transparent income support programs targeted at the most vulnerable populations. Millions of Ghanaians who live in slums and informal settlements without access to basic services are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection.

“We are of the view that the government should ensure the rights to health, food and water are realized in such settlements under this pandemic. “