Retired police officer alleges brutal assault by National Security operatives in Ashanti Region

A retired Chief Inspector of the Ghana Police Service, Seibu Sidi, has been left traumatised after what he describes as a violent assault by operatives of the National Security Secretariat in the Ashanti Region.

The incident, captured in a viral video, shows the retired officer pinned to the ground and flogged by about four men in military camouflage, while bystanders pleaded for restraint. The footage has sparked public outrage, with many raising concerns about abuse of power.

According to Mr Sidi, the operatives stormed his residence at Trede and began dismantling his mini sawmill machine in his absence.

He claims his 13-year-old daughter was assaulted and had her phone damaged after attempting to record the incident.

He explained that the officers suspected a vehicle transporting wood, whose driver had allegedly failed to stop, was linked to his business.

When he later confronted them and requested to verify their identity at a police station, he says he was attacked.

“They came out in numbers and started beating me… they assaulted me severely and forced me into their vehicle,” he recounted.

Mr Sidi further alleged that his vehicle was seized and only released after he paid for repairs to the operatives’ vehicle, which they claimed was damaged during the encounter.

The retired officer, who now runs a wood business, says he is still nursing injuries and has called for an investigation by the National Security Secretariat and the Interior Ministry.

The Ashanti Regional office of the Secretariat has confirmed that the officers involved have been identified. Deputy Regional Security Coordinator Alhassan Tapsoba stated that the incident has been condemned and is now under investigation by national authorities in Accra.

He added that the National Security Coordinator has directed that the officers be invited to Accra to assist with ongoing inquiries, assuring the public that appropriate action will be taken.