Security consultant Richard Kumadoe has called on law enforcement agencies to exercise greater restraint and thoughtfulness when enforcing curfew restrictions, particularly when dealing with civilians who pose no threat or resist arrest.
His comments follow the death of Issaka Abdulai, a lecturer at Gbewaa College of Education in the Upper East Region, after an alleged military assault.
The incident reportedly occurred while the lecturer was returning home from work on his motorcycle shortly after curfew hours had begun.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Kumadoe stated that while security agencies have a duty to enforce law and order, officers must evaluate individual circumstances to prevent the unnecessary use of force.
He told host Kwabena Agyapong that security personnel need to adopt a more tactical, thoughtful, and strategic approach to law enforcement, noting that citizens may have legitimate reasons for being outside during curfew hours, whilst others might simply be delayed or unaware of the restrictions.
When asked whether essential service providers—such as nurses, doctors, and teachers—should receive exemptions during curfew hours, Kumadoe argued that any policy must be addressed holistically, as the issue impacts various sectors of society.
“What about the traders who have to go to the market and set up early? So you will realise it cuts across everywhere. What about the driver or okada rider who would send the doctor or nurse to the hospital? Is it acceptable? What about the farmer who must get to the farm and bring goods to the market before 6:00 am or 7:00 am for the soldiers to come and purchase? What about the media personnel who have to go and cover their stories? So it goes beyond one service provider. We need to look at it again in relation to what happened to the lecturer.”
Reflecting on whether curfews achieve their core objectives, Kumadoe explained:
“Curfews are shorter measures to ensure that insecurity is curtailed and unlawful activities or disturbances are stopped by lawful enforcement officers. But normally, they review them over time, so you would want to find out from the Minister as to whether they intend to review the curfew or not. But there are various reasons for revisiting curfews in different areas.”
Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding the lecturer’s death remain under investigation, with his body in police custody awaiting an autopsy.
Kumadoe demanded full accountability if the inquiry uncovers wrongdoing, urging the police to determine the precise cause and manner of death and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the full rigours of the law.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana