NPP Vows To Continue Training Commandos

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has vowed to continue with the training of the security operatives of the party’s flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo and his running mate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Commandos

The training of the party’s security operatives was interrupted following the arrest of the three South African ex-cops who were contracted to conduct the training. The three South African security consultants were hurriedly deported Tueday morning while criminal charges hanged over their heads.

But speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, NPP Communications Director Nana Akomea said the security directorate will work out the details for the training of the security operatives. “The departure of the South Africans will not affect the party’s plans in bringing up to speed, the training requirements for security people. That would go ahead”, he indicated.

The Ghana Immigration Service has explained it revoked the visas of the South Africans because they concealed the motive of their visit breaching Section 52 (1e) of the Immigration Act.

In a statement, the GIS says Major Ahmed Shaik Hazis (Rtd.), WO/Denver Dwayhe Naidu (Rtd.) and Captain Mlungiseleli Jokani (Rtd.) were granted B1 Business visas which prohibits any form of employment.

According to the Ghana Immigrations Service, the hosts of the South Africans, the pro-NPP Danquah Institute and a shipping company had also indicated that the three were in the country to attend meetings. But the men were picked up by the BNI for engaging in activities which government claims threatens the peace of the country.

They were arrested at the El Capitano Hotel at Agona Duakwa in the Central Region on Sunday, March 20. According to a BNI document sent to JOYNEWS, “The trio, all ex-police officers were engaged in training fifteen young men in various military drills, including unarmed combat, weapon handling, VIP protection techniques and rapid response maneuvers”.

The men were charged for unlawful training, conspiracy to commit crime and engaging in unauthorised military activity – charges they have pleaded not guilty to and were granted a bail of ¢20,000 each. But in a moved condemned by several lawyers, the BNI refused to release them with the explanation that officials of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) had requested they keep the men for questioning.

The deportation has however raised questions about proper procedure of their deportation while a court was hearing criminal charges against them.

Private legal practitioner Bright Akwetey explained that government needed to file a ‘no case’ in court to end the matter in court before repatriating the foreign nationals. He said pursuing the case would amount to “reaping the whirlwind”.