Government demands explanation on Ambassador's attack

Accra, Aug 12, GNA - Alhaji Mohammad Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, on Wednesday conveyed in no uncertain terms the government's protest and strong indignation at the treatment meted out to the Ghana's Ambassador to Guinea, Mr Dominic Aboagye. The Minister has demanded a full explanation of the incident from the government of Guinea and for the perpetrators to be brought to book. A statement issued by the Ministry further called on the government of Guinea to take necessary measures to protect the Ambassador and his staff from any further harassment and attacks.

The Minister made the request when he summoned the Ambassador of Guinea in Ghana, Mr Frederic Bangoura, to his office. The statement said the Ministry has taken a very serious view of the unfortunate incident, which goes completely against the grain of the accepted principles and norms regarding the obligation of governments to ensure the safety and security of diplomatic personnel as enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Armed elements of the Guinea Security Forces on Saturday August 8, 2009, unprovoked, attacked Ghana's Ambassador to Guinea while he was driving in Conakry and the Ambassador's vehicle was rammed into from behind.

The statement said when the Ambassador stopped to inspect the damage caused to his vehicle, the occupants of the other vehicle forcefully bundled him into his vehicle and drove to a remote location where they robbed him of his possessions and absconded with the vehicle. The Ambassador of Guinea has, on behalf of his government, rendered an unqualified apology to the government and people of Ghana for the unfortunate incident and has given assurances that the matter would be fully investigated and the perpetrators brought to book. In a related development, the ECOWAS Commission has also issued a statement strongly condemning the assault on the Ambassador describing the incident as "repugnant".

It further linked the incident to the breakdown of law and other in Guinea and emphasized the need for the government there to take steps to restore constitutional and democratic governance in order to impose the rule of law and respect for human rights. 13 Aug 09