Dissociate Otumfuo with cocaine scandal -CNAG

Kumasi, Oct 24, GNA - The Ashanti regional branch of the Ghana National Association of Garages (GNAG) has decried what they said was deliberate attempts by some media practitioners to link the Manhyia Palace to the missing cocaine scandal with the view to advancing their own hidden agenda.

The association caution such practitioners to be circumspect in their reportage and endeavour to dissociate the Asantehene's name with the scandal.

'It behoves them to respect the findings and recommendations of the Georgina Wood Committee which was mandated to probe the missing 76 parcels of cocaine aboard the MV Benjamin vessel and which did not find it evidential and necessary to invite the Asantehene', the association said in a press release signed by Mr John Kingsley Yaw Damptey, Regional chairman of GNAG and issued in Kumasi on Monday.

The GNAG expressed disappointment at what it said was the partial silence on the part of the National Media commission (NMC) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in the wake of attempts by some journalists to incite the good people of Ghana against the Asantehene.

It appealed to the two bodies, therefore, to expedite action and call to order journalists who deliberately carry out unsubstantiated allegations and publications regarding the missing cocaine since those unethical practices had the tendency to whip up tribal sentiments in the country.

The association further called on the Otumfuo, Osei Tutu II, not to be perturbed by the calculated attempts to tarnish his image but be focused on measures and programmes he is putting in place to facilitate the development of Asanteman and the nation.

It also commended him for his tolerance for other tribal groups in the Ashanti region which had fostered unity among the various ethic groups. 24 Oct. 06