Akufo-Addo’s guards don’t use guns - NPP

Despite claims that a member of Nana Akufo-Addo’s security detail “pointed a gun” at a police officer during Sunday’s clashes between supporters of the NPP and the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Greater Accra regional chairman of the NPP, Ishmael Ashitey, has wondered where the weapon could have come from since Mr Akufo-Addo’s bodyguards are not allowed to carry guns.

Police Director of Communications, Superintendent Cephas Arthur, on Monday stated that one of the bodyguards of Mr Akufo-Addo “pointed a gun” at the Commander of the Anti-Terrorism Unit of the Ghana Police Service.

“After pointing the gun at him, he pointed it in the air and gave a warning shot and then dropped it down again and pointed it at him,” Supt Arthur told Prince Minkah on Class91.3FM’s Executive Breakfast Show on Monday, 14 November in connection with the clashes which got sparked after supporters of both parties converged on the vicinity of Mr Akufo-Addo’s Nima residence during their respective Keep Fit activities.

“But for the exercise of maximum restraint and professionalism displayed by the police, we would have heard a different story today,” Supt Arthur said.

However, reacting to the claims on Accra100.5FM’s morning show, Ghana Yensom, the same day, Mr Ashitey said though he needed to be briefed more on what exactly transpired, he was aware that the opposition leader’s private security had no access to guns.

“…I am not too sure. But where did that person get the gun from? I will find out but I know Nana Addo’s security guards do not use guns. But even in the house, there are policemen…so I do not know if those cops will look on and allow others to fire gunshots,” he said.

He, however, asked the police to “be in the middle” and not allow themselves to be “instructed” by powerful figures so they handle matters that come to them in a fair manner.