The New Force movement has issued a public apology over a viral video on social media that has a member of the security entourage of its presidential candidate assaulting a supporter.
The supporter, according to a statement issued by its General Secretary, Charles Yomekpe, was merely attempting to speak to the candidate but was physically assaulted by the security team despite wielding no harmful weapon.
“The individual in question was unarmed, posed no threat, and deserved nothing but dignity and respect,” portions of the statement contained.
The statement further expressed the Movement’s apologies to the victim and his family and the general public, highlighting the need not to subject any individual to such treatment in a polity as democratic as Ghana.
“No individual, supporter or otherwise should ever be subjected to violence, especially in a democratic environment where engagement and expression are to be protected,” the statement added.
The statement added that: “Let it be made unequivocally clear that our movement strongly condemns this behavior. It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and entirely out of line with the values we hold.”
New Force is conducting an investigation into the occurrence and has promised to sanction the individual involved.
Find below the full statement from the movement:
PUBLIC APOLOGY
We are deeply saddened and disturbed by a recent incident captured on video in which a member of the security team assigned to our presidential candidate was seen physically assaulting a supporter who was merely attempting to speak with the candidate. The individual in question was unarmed, posed no threat, and deserved nothing but dignity and respect.
We extend our sincerest apologies to the victim and their family, and to all Ghanaians who rightly expect better conduct from those associated with our movement. No individual, supporter or otherwise should ever be subjected to violence, especially in a democratic environment where engagement and expression are to be protected.
Let it be made unequivocally clear that our movement strongly condemns this behavior. It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and entirely out of line with the values we hold. We have launched an immediate investigation into the incident, and we assure the public that the perpetrator will be held fully accountable under the law and internal disciplinary processes.
We are committed to restoring public confidence by ensuring that such behavior is never repeated. We thank the public for bringing this matter to light and for holding us to the highest standard.
