Ghana’s Parliament has condemned the death of George Floyd and called for justice.
The Members of Parliament who were contributing to the statement on the Floor of Parliament made by MP for North Tongu and the Minority Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in condemnation of the death of George Floyd said they were saddened by the event.
Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa said, “the awful and depressing killing of Mr. Floyd must be condemned in the strongest possible terms and with all the force Parliament can muster,” stressing that, “this traumatic episode serves as a chilling reminder that the war against racism has not been won.”
He added, “a clear message must go forth that the black race has had enough. From slavery, colonialism, neo-colonialism, economic exploitation to structural and institutional racism, we have simply had enough. Black lives matter! We must force all those knees off our necks!”
“We hope U.S. authorities will ensure justice is manifestly done. May this become a watershed moment in history and a positive turning point for blacks in that country,” he suggested.
“The gruesome and extremely painful death which was carried out in broad day light was captured on camera. The horrific video reported to have ranked amongst the most despicable footage the world has ever seen came with the last words ‘I can’t breathe’ from a dying Mr. Floyd. Those distressing and extremely agonising circumstances are forever etched in memory.”
For his part, the Majority Leader and MP for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonso said, “our democracy is built on America’s democracy so it’s paradoxical that such a heinous crime should happen on the American soil.”
“Article 12(2) of our constitution provides that every person in Ghana whatever their race, political affiliations, Creed or gender should be entitled to the fundamental human right and freedoms of individuals contained in the Constitution. It was borrowed from the American constitution.”
“Another thing we borrowed was that no person shall be deprived of his life intentionally except in the exercise of an execution of a sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offense under the laws. Mr Speaker I believe that the American society need to reflect on this,” he submitted.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonso questioned, “So why is that America that is supposed to be the lead in democratic governance should be advertising such heinous and barbaric crimes?”
On the 25th of May 2020, unarmed African American known as George Floyd was pinned to the ground by police officer Derek Chauvin who knelt on Mr. Floyd’s neck for about nine minutes until he became unconscious and died.
Story filed by Edzorna Francis Mensah.
