Ghana: Special Flogging Squad formed at Assin Kushea:

Residents of Assin Kushea in the Central Region have expressed concern over the conduct of a special flogging squad that has been subjecting residents to all forms of inhumane treatment in the name of discipline. With the backing of the Unit Committee the group has flogged dozens of residents despite concerns raised by some opinion leaders. Our sources disclosed that the practice which has caught up well in the area, saw a 55-year old subjected to 15 lashes for alleged stealing.

He revealed that some youth of the area who were arrested for a similar offences, were handed to the squad by the police to be whipped. According to him, the squad is a four-member committee that has arrogated powers to itself and gained notoriety in subjecting victims to public flogging when suspects are supposed to be handed to the police for criminal prosecution.

Kwaku Antobam, a victim, who narrated his ordeal alleged stealing charge, said he is yet to get out of the shock of the situation. “A lady asked me to help her look for the money at the market, I found the money during the search and she claimed I was the one who stole it and she reported me to the community. They came for me and gave me strong lashes….as we speak I can still feel the pain”, he revealed.

when contacted, Chairman of the committee John Frimpong (aka Mayanga} admitted the presence of the Special Flogging Squad, but explained that the children who first received the brunt of the squad, was to serve as a deterrent for stealing, whilst the 55 year old man was for his disgraceful conduct. “Some of them are infants and we cannot give them to the police but we need to deal with them in their own way so that discipline will be instilled in the community”, he explained.