Former Defence Minister Major Derek Oduro has expressed regret over the alleged involvement of Asutifi South MP Collins Dauda in multiple election related violent cases.
The former MP described Collins Dauda’s recent arrest in his constituency in connection with an alleged violent incident during the ongoing limited registration operation as horrible.
He said it has become one too many for a respected MP to always have his name associated with election-related violent activities.
Collins Dauda, Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, was arrested by the Ghana Police Service on Saturday, May 11, 2024, for allegedly being involved in the disruptions that occurred in Kukuom in the Ahafo Region during the ongoing Limited Voter Registration Exercise.
One person was reported to have been injured in the event and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The MP has since been granted bail.
Reacting to the issue, he lamented that our elections in recent times have been characterised by violent clashes, which resulted in the deaths of some people and the injuries of several others.
Mr. Oduro stated that it is not the best for someone who rose to the position of minister and has been in parliament for several years to always have his name associated with violence.
“For someone who has been in Parliament for years, has been appointed a minister before, and understands democracy and how our constitution works, we all know you have a pending case before the court involving the housing matter, but you should not allow yourself to be arrested in connection with an alleged election-related violent incident. The Kukuom incident is not the best, and if it is anything to go by, it terrible.
Some are alleging the vehicle of the MP was used to foment trouble. Others are alleging that the car had several guns, including American pump-action guns, which were allegedly used in firing at people. I pray these allegations are not true. Where did these individuals get the guns? Those behind this incident must be arrested. No matter who they are, they have to be arrested. The President of the Republic is not above the law and can be prosecuted for any criminal offence, and so those behind Kukuom must not be spared,” he said on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM.
“There is always a violent incident recorded in the Asunafo area. Violence has always characterised our elections in the constituency, particularly in Kukuom. Why should this be the case? There was an incident recorded some years ago. Someone fired gunshots, leading to the death of an individual. The suspect ran away, and later, in whose room did we find him in Accra? What else was done after the suspect was found under the bed of an MP? The person was not punished. People have died in the area, and yet we have not done anything about these issues.”
Major [rtd] Oduro urged the police to investigate the incident and uncover how these individuals got access to the guns.
He also condemned the other violent incidents recorded at other registration centres, stressing the need for the police to act swiftly.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
