The National Spare Parts Dealers Association, the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, and the Car Dealers Association of Ghana have condemned what they describe as police brutality against Mr Yaw Barimah, the National PRO of the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana.

In a joint press release dated May 13, 2026, the associations accused DSP Paul Buabeng Donkor of the Akumadan District Command of assaulting Mr. Barimah during activities marking National Sanitation Day on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

According to the statement, Mr Barimah was at Akumadan in his official capacity engaging authorities on issues affecting commercial drivers and traders when the incident occurred.

The associations alleged that while Mr Barimah questioned the manner in which some stores were being closed down and the conduct of authorities, DSP Paul Buabeng Donkor slapped, manhandled, and physically assaulted him in public view.

The groups described the incident as unacceptable, unlawful, and a gross abuse of police power.

The associations stated that no Ghanaian should be beaten for asking what they described as legitimate questions, especially during a national exercise intended to promote order and civic responsibility.

They further argued that the alleged conduct of the police officer undermines public trust in the Ghana Police Service and threatens relations between law enforcement agencies and the business community.

The associations called on the Inspector General of Police to institute what they described as an independent and transparent investigation into the conduct of DSP Paul Buabeng Donkor.

They also appealed to the Head of the Police Council and Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, to ensure disciplinary action is taken without delay.

The groups further called on the Ministry for the Interior to provide oversight and ensure accountability within the police service, while urging the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice to investigate what they described as violations of Mr. Barimah’s fundamental human rights.

According to the statement, DSP Paul Buabeng Donkor should be interdicted pending investigations.

The associations warned that failure by authorities to act swiftly could result in nationwide mass action involving their members.

They stated that while they respect the rule of law and the role of the police in maintaining order, that respect must be mutual.

The statement added that if the matter is not addressed, the patience of spare parts dealers, transport operators, and car dealers could lead to actions that would have consequences for commerce and public order.

The release was jointly signed by Asonaba Nana Wiredu, National Chairman of Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana; Samuel Amoah, National Deputy PRO of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union of the Trades Union Congress; Clifford Ansu, General Secretary of Vehicle and Assets Dealers Association of Ghana; David Agboado, National PRO of Concerned Drivers Association; and Takyi Addo, Head of Communication for Abbosey Okai Spare Parts Dealers.

Copies of the statement were addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the Head of the Police Council and Vice President, the Minister for the Interior, the Commissioner of CHRAJ, and the media.