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Government has rebutted claims that it is working to put in danger, the life of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party.
The NPP claimed Thursday that the National Democratic Congress government was plotting to harm Akufo-Addo and his running mate, Dr Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. At a press conference to react to the arrest of three South African ex-cops brought into the country to train the NPP’s security personnel, acting Chairman, Freddy Blay said: “some attack on our presidential candidate and his vice” is imminent. “If we are not careful it will happen”
According to the party, it is against this backdrop that it procured the South African security consultants to train Nana Akufo-Addo and his running mate’s bodyguards.
But the Communications Minister, Dr Omane Boamah has described the claim as “malicious, wicked” and without comprehension, and that it is an attempt by the NPP to justify the “unthinkable”.
A statement issued and signed by Dr Boamah said since news of the arrest of the three broke, the NPP has been incoherent and rumbling in its responses in an attempt to escape public condemnation.
Read the full statement belowGovernment has learnt of a press conference organised by the New Patriotic Party at which its Acting National Chairman, Freddie Blay alleged that the three South Africans and two Ghanaians arrested for activities deemed prejudicial to the security of the country were brought in, in response to an NDC government plot to attack their presidential and vice presidential candidates.
Without prejudice to the outcome of investigations and legal processes, we wish to state as follows;
1. The claim made by Freddie Blay defies comprehension. It is both false and malicious.
This is the most puerile defence ever attempted in a serious matter as this one.
We note that since news broke of the arrest of the individuals, the NPP has rendered rumbling and incoherent responses in a bid to escape the widespread condemnation and public opprobrium they have suffered. This wicked lie however is the most ridiculous yet and only reflects the desperation arising out of lack of leadership that has beset the NPP.
The NPP has demonstrated over the years that it prefers violence and chaos as means of addressing disputes even within their party. This has been on display over the past few years.
Leading functionaries of the NPP including their flagbearer are also on record to have made incendiary statements seeking to incite violence for purposes of attaining political power. Mr Akufo-Addo’s call for his party youth to resort to violence in his infamous “all die be die” war cry is a case in point and is not lost on Ghanaians.
President John Mahama has a proven track record of peaceful conduct and never in his political life has he encouraged violence in contrast to Mr Akufo-Addo.
The sterile attempt therefore, by the NPP to extricate itself from this potentially nation-wrecking manoeuvre through wicked-dark lies has failed.
Government is not and will never be afflicted by the intractable disease of ‘hankering-after-violence’.
2. Government reiterates its commitment to taking all necessary steps to ensure the security of our people and borders and commends the country’s security agencies for their vigilance and swift action which led to the apprehension of these individuals.
We note that months before this incident they had also arrested persons transporting or possessing substantial caches of ammunition in Kumasi and Aflao. We will continue to extend the necessary assistance to the security agencies to enable them carry out their functions in a more efficient and effective manner.
3. We are also encouraged by the profuse and widespread expression of national revulsion and outrage at these attempts by the NPP to undermine our collective peace and security.
We wish all Ghanaians happy Easter and urge them to exercise restraint and caution during the period in order to avert any excesses.
Signed:
EDWARD K. OMANE BOAMAH (DR.)
(Minister)
24/03/2016
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