'You don’t start using violence against an officer' - Legal expert advises

Legal practitioner, researcher, and author Daniel Korang has shared important advice. He urges the public to stay calm during arrests. Instead of reacting violently, ask for the reason behind the arrest.

“You don’t start using violence against the arresting officer,” Mr. Korang stated.

He suggests asking, “Can you please tell me why you are arresting me?”

Mr. Korang emphasizes that individuals have the right to demand an explanation for their arrest. This right can be exercised multiple times.

“You can insist on this as many times as you can,” he said.

On JoyNews’ The Law on Sunday, April 13, he highlighted that officers must provide a reason for the arrest. If they fail to do so, it is a breach of the law.

“If the arresting officer fails to explain, then they have violated the law,” he explained.

This failure also violates the suspect’s fundamental human rights under Ghanaian law.

In such cases, Mr. Korang noted that individuals may have grounds to take legal action against the officer.

"The violation of a suspect's rights allows them to sue later," he concluded.