The Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) is grieved by the shocking incident of shooting and killing of a civilian on Monday, April 6, 2020, at the Ashaiman Municipality as part of measures to discourage movement under the current state of lockdown.

"We back the numerous calls of NGOs, CSOs and human rights activists in the country with one voice to condemn the act of lawlessness exuded by the military officer involved in no uncertain terms and also call for an independent probe into the matter by the authorities with immediate effect.

"We believe justice must be served without delay with appropriate sanction for the officer-involved if found culpable by the outcome of the investigation.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of HRRG and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

According to reports, there killing was after a struggle between a military officer and the deceased civilian over a rifle that the former was carrying.

While applauding the measures put in place by the government to contain the novel coronavirus pandemic with the imposition of lockdown protocols in some parts of the country backed by the security forces, the HRRG is worried by numerous reports and video footages making rounds on social media detailing alleged varying violation of human rights abuses of civilians ranging from beating, slapping, spanking and use of brute force and other draconian measures which is against the law.

The statement called for a swift probe into all video footages making rounds on social media detailing alleged brutalities on civilians by the security forces, the officers involved identified, dealt with and cautioned to desist from excesses and wanton violation of people's rights

"As human rights defenders, we outrightly condemn any brute force approach to ensure citizens observe the lockdown protocols and wish to add our voice to calls for such disturbing developments to cease.

"We also caution the public to comply with the lockdown protocols and always remain at home especially those who do not have anything to do outside during the period to avoid any confrontation with the security personnel.  

"While we implore the government to call the security personnel to order, we equally appeal to the Ministry of Information to provide numbers through which abused persons can call to report such issues.

"Homeless people on our streets, head porters (Kayayei) and the needy in general should be considered in our efforts to deal with the COVID-19 to ensure the safety of all.

Finally, respect for human dignity and rights in accordance with the law especially during the lockdown period should be jealously guarded to save lives and protect public health and safety.