The unfolding situation at Roman Ridge, a residential area in Accra, Ghana, has sparked a public outcry and raised concerns about the safety and security of civil servants residing in government-allocated housing. Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, a prominent policy think tank, has formally reported alleged harassment and intimidation of these civil servants by individuals identified as supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare. This incident highlights the potential for political tensions to spill over into the personal lives of civil servants and underscores the need for swift action to ensure their protection and uphold the rule of law.
Cudjoe’s account, shared via a Facebook post, paints a picture of a systematic campaign of harassment targeting civil servants living in government bungalows at Roman Ridge. He accuses NDC supporters of unlawfully attempting to force these individuals out of their assigned residences and describes the situation as “critical,” emphasizing the immediate threat to the safety and well-being of the affected civil servants and their families. The allegations suggest a deliberate and coordinated effort to intimidate civil servants, potentially motivated by political considerations. This raises serious questions about the respect for due process and the potential for politically motivated violence, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among those targeted.
Further substantiating Cudjoe’s claims is a message he shared from a distressed civil servant directly affected by the alleged harassment. The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed for safety reasons, alleges that ongoing renovation work on their government-allocated property, initiated in June 2023, was abruptly and forcibly halted by NDC supporters. This interruption not only disrupts their living arrangements but also suggests a blatant disregard for the civil servant’s rights and the proper procedures for addressing property disputes. The plea for intervention directed at Cudjoe, requesting him to leverage his network to bring the matter to the IGP’s attention, underscores the urgency of the situation and the perceived lack of alternative avenues for redress. The message, as quoted by Cudjoe, emphasizes the desperate need for immediate action: “We need his urgent intervention to restore order and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Cudjoe’s condemnation of the alleged actions of the NDC supporters leaves no room for ambiguity. He labels their behavior as “uncivil” and calls upon the NDC leadership to actively discourage such conduct among their ranks. This public rebuke not only highlights the seriousness of the allegations but also places the onus on the NDC to address the behavior of its supporters and ensure accountability. The incident underscores the importance of political parties maintaining control over their supporters and preventing them from engaging in actions that undermine the rule of law and threaten the safety and security of citizens.
Cudjoe’s decision to publicize the matter, having already privately alerted the IGP, demonstrates his commitment to ensuring a swift and decisive response from law enforcement authorities. This public disclosure aims to exert pressure on the police to take prompt action and investigate the allegations thoroughly. By bringing the issue into the public domain, Cudjoe also seeks to raise awareness about the vulnerability of civil servants and the potential for politically motivated harassment, encouraging broader public scrutiny and demanding accountability from all parties involved.
The alleged harassment of civil servants at Roman Ridge is a deeply concerning development with far-reaching implications. It not only jeopardizes the safety and well-being of the affected individuals but also undermines the stability and integrity of the civil service. A robust and impartial civil service is essential for the effective functioning of any democratic government. Intimidation and harassment of civil servants can erode their morale, impartiality, and ability to perform their duties without fear or favor. Moreover, such actions can discourage qualified individuals from pursuing careers in public service, weakening the overall capacity of the government and undermining public trust in state institutions. Therefore, a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations is crucial to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that measures are taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The response of the IGP and the NDC leadership to this situation will be closely watched, as it will send a clear message about their commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
