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| No cause for alarm-National Security Chief |
12/26/2008 |
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The National Security Co-ordinator, Dr Sam G. Amoo, has assured all Ghanaians, particularly those who claim their lives have been threatened, that everything is being done to protect and secure their lives.
He said everybody should feel free and go about his or her duties without let or hindrance in order to enjoy the peace and goodwill of Christmas.
Reacting to the alleged threat on the life of the ace gospel musician, Philipa Baafi, whose hit song, “Go High”, is the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP’s) campaign song, Dr Amoo told the Daily Graphic in an interview that those spreading threatening text messages to a section of the society, particularly the clergy, judges, journalists and musicians, because of their perceived support for a particular political party were faceless cowards who were bent on creating insecurity in the country.
The alleged threat on Philipa, which was allegedly sent to her via her mobile phone from mobile phone number 0241559084 on Sunday, December 21, read, “The next time you perform for the NPP on stage, we would shot u for the stomach musicians to learn a lesson. If you dare tell the media, we would kidnap your triplets” (sic).
The sender, who is yet to be identified, further sent another message, “Why are u not picking up our calls. We are too close to miss. The police can’t protect you. Forget them. Even if we are arrested, you would be shot” (sic).
Dr Amoo said the security agencies were seriously pursuing those issuing such terrorist messages, saying that they would be arrested and dealt with according to law.
He said the security agencies had vowed to deal ruthlessly with anybody found to be working against the country’s democratic process and asked the voter population to walk boldly to their polling stations on Sunday to cast their ballots, saying that "nobody has the right to prevent a registered voter from exercising his or her franchise”.
“We should remember that we are going to the polls to select leaders to manage the affairs of the country for a mandated period.
Terrorist threats to judges, musicians, priests and perceived assorted enemies should have no place in the process,” he stated.
He said the National Elections Security Task Force and the various regional and district task forces had been adequately resourced to provide security for all polling stations in the country.
Dr Amoo said extra security measures had been taken at all the flash points in the country and warned those who had hijacked ballot boxes and attempted to disrupt voting processes on December 7 to rethink similar moves this time round because they did so at their own peril.
On the closure of Ghana’s borders, he was at a loss as to when traditional authorities were mandated to take over the security of the country, explaining that that mandate was vested in the President of the Republic.
He repeated the earlier warning of the security agencies to foreigners to stay clear of the voting process on Sunday, saying, "Ghanaians will continue to accord foreigners a warm welcome, but those who want to compromise our electoral process will find the country too hot to stay in."
Philipa Baafi, in the company of her husband, Mr Kwame Karikari, told the Daily Graphic that the two had vacated their marital home since November 20, 2008 when they started receiving the death threats.
She wondered why other musicians supporting other political parties with their songs were going about life normally, while she and her family had become targets.
She was of the view that every citizen of Ghana must have the right to support any political party of his or her choice without any intimidation or threats.
Philipa, therefore, expressed the hope that the state would intervene in her case and offer her protection to live a normal peaceful life.
Story by Albert K. Salia
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