Gov't ordered you to protect us, not to ‘kill’ us - Man cries after soldiers’ assault

Joseph Avoole said he was on his way to buy porridge around 7:30 on Monday but was stopped by 5 soldiers in a vehicle who later assaulted him.

In a video on his Facebook page, Joseph Avoole was seen with blood on his face saying “Government said you can go and buy food and return home but he didn’t say this (pointing to his face) so why?. The government said protect us but and you are now killing the people.”

When Ghanaweb reached out to Joseph, he explained that the only question they asked was “where are you going “he added that he politely answered “I’m going to buy porridge and then next thing, he was assaulted.

He said he was beaten with what is popularly known as “koboko”, a type of leather-like whip, after which the soldiers drove off without saying a word.

Accra, Kasoa, Tema, and Kumasi have been locked down to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Persons considered to render essential services including food vendors and foodstuffs sellers, however, are allowed to keep operating their businesses.

Meanwhile, Brigadier-General A.Y Nsiah General Officer Commanding, Headquarters Southern Comand has refuted suggestions that military persons deployed to enforce the presidential orders on the partial lockdown among others, are brutalising citizens. According to him, these personnel are trained professionals who know their work and won’t abuse their power.