Nana Akufo-Addo, 2016 Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party with running mate Dr. Bawumia
Three out of the fifteen (15) persons who were undergoing various security drills under the instructions of the arrested ex-South African Police officers are known safe keepers of Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a statement released by the NPP has revealed.
They include two personal drivers (for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates) and an official photographer of Nana Akufo-Addo.
The works of the remaining 13 personnel are immediately not known.
Below is the full statement:
NPP RESPONDS TO ARREST OF 3 SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONALS
We have taken notice of frontpage stories in the Tuesday, March 22, editions of the state-owned Daily Graphic, and in newspapers belonging to the “rented press” stable of the ruling NDC government, about the arrest of 3 South African nationals on suspicion of engaging in “acts that threaten the country’s security.” According to the publications, the 3 men were invited into the country by Capt. Koda (rtd), head of our presidential candidate’s personal security.
We wish to place on record that the presence of the three men in Ghana is not for any act that can be said remotely to threaten the country’s security. Known security detail belonging to the NPP’s presidential and vice presidential candidates were being given routine training by these security experts specialised and licensed to offer VIP Protection. Indeed, the two personal drivers of the candidates, as well as the official photographer of Nana Akufo-Addo, were part of the 15 persons undergoing training, which took place on the premises of a well-known, licensed, Ghanaian security company.
The 3 South Africans arrived in the country on Business visas. Training of personnel in VIP protection is part of their business, and, therefore, no deception was intended. Is it not alarming, however, that a case which, according to the BNI, is still under investigation, has been leaked to pro-government newspapers, obviously in the bid to help the NDC score cheap political points? It is our firm conviction that the security agencies, if they are to enjoy the confidence of the people, must always be seen to be non-partisan and professional in the discharge of their constitutional mandates.
Unlike some other countries where the State takes responsibility for providing security for opposition leaders, here, in Ghana, opposition leaders are responsible for providing and maintaining their own personal security. That is exactly the case here.
In an age where a radio programme host by name ‘Mugabe’, on Montie FM, a radio station belonging to the stable of the ruling party, has stated that Nana Akufo-Addo will die before June this year, we, in the NPP, will not take any chances, whatsoever, with the security of our leaders. That threat by the radio station host has, unsurprisingly, not been deemed by the authorities to be an act that could threaten our nation’s security.
……signed……
Nana Akomea
NPP Director of Communications