Ex-police officer in trouble for making a dash for President Rawlings

Accra (Greater Accra), 24th May '99 -

A man, who tried to get to President Jerry John Rawlings during the prayer to mark the close of the Fifth African-African American Summit on Friday was whisked away by security men before he could achieve his objective.

The man, identified as Ignatius Kpaao, a retired Police Superintendent, entered the main hall and walked toward the dais apparently to make a complaint to him.

He told GNA that he retired in 1995 but had not been paid all his entitlements.

Kpaao said "I have tried several times to get my message to the President through the Inspector General of Police and some highly placed people in the Castle, but they have all proved futile".

Looking very emotional, Kpaao said he had the right to talk to the President. "I have the right to talk to my President. Why should you stop me?

am a human being and I demand that you treat me with respect," he protested to Policemen, who took him away.

He said he did not intend to harm the President, but was just trying to get his attention after all efforts to get to him through the appropriate quarters had proved futile.

"I have to feed my family and myself. How can I do this"? He questioned.

Kpaao, who was well dressed and carrying a brief case was led to the charge office at the Accra International Conference Centre for further questioning.

GRi?/