Minister urged to apologize

...for creating false security alarm
Ho, July 31, GNA - Mr Modestus Ahiable, Volta Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on the Mr Kofi Dzamesi, Volta Regional Minister, to apologize to the region over his false alarm in June about the insecurity of public officials in the region.

Mr Ahiable's call was in connection with an incident involving an intruder at the Regional Minster's residency on Monday June 2 in which both the intruder Mr Dzikunu Agbale, and Mr Theophilous Tetteh-Nartey, Ho Municipal Police Commander died.

Mr Ahiable said at a press briefing on Wednesday that Mr Dzamesi's claim that the incident at his official residence was the beginning of a bigger plot against officials was a hoax for which he needed to apologize to the region.

He said the successful visit of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to the region soon after Mr Dzamesi's outbursts had exposed the falsehood in his claim. Mr Ahiable said the only way Mr Dzamesi could salvage his image was either to apologize for his indiscretion or to resign.

He said news about a government-funded pacification at the Residency on the quiet suggested that government had accepted responsibility for the death of the intruder and the police officer. "The whole region was desecrated by the deaths at the Residency and must be involved in any pacification rites," Mr Ahiable said. Mr Ahiable also complained about the continued retention of Mr Bernard Dery, as the Volta Regional Police Commander, despite accusations of unprofessional conduct in many conflict situations in the region. Mr Ahiable said Mr Dery's continued presence in the region during the election period could compromise the security of the region.