Ghana's Inspector General of Police (IGP) says security personnel have the legal mandate to use lethal force when confronting armed protesters, if the need arises. The statement comes hours after President Nana Akufo-Addo, ordered a public inquiry into the circumstances that led to the death of two protesters after police and military fired into the crowd on Tuesday.

The protesters had hit the streets demanding justice after the murder of a social media activist over the weekend.

IGP James Oppong-Boanuh explained that, during violent protests, while the police call for calm with the use of a megaphone, when they are confronted by unarmed protesters, the use of spray guns, tear gas, and blank amour are however allowed to be used to deescalate rising tension.