Parents and some family members in the Guan Akyode community in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region have issued a passionate plea, threatening legal action and suicide over what they describe as the wrongful arrest of their children by the Ghana Police Service and the Military. They claim that fourteen (14) of their innocent children have been arrested in connection with the recent riots in Nkwanta South.
The affected families say they have been plunged into emotional turmoil and public disgrace. According to them, security forces stormed their homes in search of suspects but ended up arresting their children, who had no involvement in the disturbances. The families insist their children are innocent and have no ties to the unrest.
The trauma, they say, has been unbearable. Parents report being unable to leave their homes due to fear of further harassment and the stigma now associated with their families. The situation, they add, has disrupted their lives and broken the spirit of the entire community.
The circulation of a viral video capturing some of the arrests has only worsened their plight. They say the video has led to widespread stigmatization, making it difficult for them to live normal lives. Many community members have begun avoiding them, believing the children were involved in criminal activity.
As a result, the families are demanding the immediate release of their children and have threatened to file a lawsuit against both the Police and the Military. Some parents have even mentioned the possibility of suicide if their cries for justice are not heard, expressing the depth of their anguish.
They are appealing directly to President H.E. John Dramani Mahama, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Minister for Defence to intervene swiftly and ensure justice is served. According to them, only high-level intervention can help restore their children’s freedom and clear their names.
