Interior Ministry Orders Probe Into Custody Assault

The Ministry of the Interior has condemned the assault of an arrested person in police custody and directed the Inspector-General of Police to investigate both the circumstances surrounding the incident and the conduct of officers responsible for the suspect’s protection. In a statement dated August 13, 2026, the Ministry expressed particular concern that the incident occurred against the backdrop of a religious dispute involving statements attributed to individuals on opposing sides of the controversy.

The Ministry condemned statements that could provoke violence against Christians, Muslims or any other persons on the basis of religion, stressing that religious sensitivities or disagreements could not be used to justify violence. It also rejected the notion that allegations of wrongdoing could provide a justification for attacking a person who had been arrested and placed in state custody.

According to the Ministry, once a person is arrested and placed in police custody, the State assumes responsibility for the individual’s protection and must ensure that the person is treated in accordance with the law. “The circumstances under which civilians gained access to the person in custody are therefore a matter of serious concern,” the Ministry stated. The Interior Minister and Member of Parliament for Asawase Constituency, Muntaka Mohamed -Mubarak has consequently directed the Inspector-General of Police to establish how civilians were able to gain access to the arrested person and to identify any police personnel who may have facilitated, permitted or acquiesced in the breach of custody.

Police officers found to have been culpable are to face appropriate disciplinary action. The police have also been instructed to immediately identify and investigate the civilians allegedly involved in the assault and take action against them in accordance with the law. The directive extends to senior and supervising officers who were directly responsible for the custody of the suspect and the supervision of personnel involved. The Ministry wants their conduct investigated and, where culpability is established, appropriate disciplinary measures taken under the applicable rules and procedures.

It further directed the police to handle persons arrested in connection with the incidents strictly in accordance with the law and without fear or favour. The Ministry’s intervention comes amid concerns over the potential for religious disagreements to escalate into violence and over the protection of suspects in state custody. It emphasized that religious incitement, religious violence and unlawful assaults on persons in custody have no place in Ghana, regardless of the circumstances that may have led to an arrest. “No religious belief, personal grievance or other consideration places anyone above the law,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining public order, protecting the rights of persons in custody and promoting peaceful coexistence among citizens of different faiths and backgrounds.

By: Joyce Owusu