Democratic forum: Torture of Modernghana journalist by national security of Ghana an attack on free press

We have received with terror, news on the torturing of some two ModernGhana journalist by the National Security.

Mr Emmanuel Ajarfor Abugri, and Emmanuel Yeboah Britwum, of ModernGhana, were arrested by National Security operatives over a publication about the National Security Minister, Hon. Albert Kan Dapaah, and the Member of Parliament for Effutu constituency, Alexander Afenyo-Markin. 

News emerging upon their release by the National Security, as published by notable online portals including myjoyonline.com and ghanawebonline.com suggests that the gentlemen were subjected to torturing by the National Security during interrogation. The nature of the torture included electric shock, slapping among others.  

It is worth mentioning that torture in all forms is prohibited under international law and considered a serious violation of human right and also declared to be unacceptable by Article 5 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

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Subscribing to the tenet against torturing, Ghana was on 7th September 2000 ratified as a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, which pronounces absolute prohibition against torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. 

This development is 

1. an attack on free press, 

2. a bully of critics of the ruling government, 

3. a betrayal of our collective stance on preservation of human dignity and

4. undermines Ghana’s Democratic credentials.

*We condemn the act in no certain terms and describe it as backwards and an international disgrace to Ghana.*

The President of Ghana and Chairman of the National Security Council, H.E. Nana Akufo Addo and the National Security Minister, Hon. Albert Kan Dapaah owes Ghanaians and the world answers to this rearward act. We also demand an urgent launch of an investigation into this matter. 

*The Democratic Forum shall consider an official petition to the United Nations* 

We also pledge our support to seeking justice for the victims and in defense of our democracy. 

Thank you. 

Signed

Amoakohene Frank,

_Executive Director_

dforumgh@gmail.com

0209013586 / 0207262608

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