The Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) is intensifying calls for transparency in the unresolved case of the 2015 Central Medical Stores fire.The devastating blaze, considered an act of arson, destroyed over $80 million in essential medical supplies and crippled the nation's healthcare system.
Despite a completed investigation by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), the findings have yet to be released to the public.Mensah Thompson, Executive Director of ASEPA, has accused EOCO of intentionally withholding the report.
He expressed frustration over what he described as a "suppression of critical information" that has denied Ghanaians the opportunity to understand the full scope of the tragedy and seek justice."We demand the immediate release of the 2015 Central Medical Stores fire investigation and other related corruption investigations of EOCO in the Central Stores fire," Thompson stated.Thompson also revealed ASEPA's intention to submit a Right to Information (RTI) request to both EOCO and the Office of the Special Prosecutor, with the aim of compelling these agencies to release the full report to the public. "We shall be filing an RTI request to demand the immediate release of the report to the public," he added.ASEPA's demands extend beyond transparency, as Thompson called for immediate action against those allegedly implicated in the investigation. "We also demand the immediate arrest of all persons indicted in the fire," he said.In addition, Thompson disclosed ASEPA's plans to submit a petition to the Office of the Special Prosecutor, urging it to launch a comprehensive investigation and pursue prosecution where necessary. "We shall be filing a petition with the Office of the Special Prosecutor to commence investigation and prosecution into this matter," he stated.Read also:High Court dismisses suit against appointment of COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno as Deputy IGP